Rhodes University has honoured journalist and anti-apartheid activist Thenjiwe Mtintso with a Doctor of Laws degree for her long-standing commitment in fighting for women’s rights and South Africa’s independence.
Rhodes University honours journalist and gallant freedom fighter, Thenjiwe Mtintsohttps://t.co/1Oo9RnrkMH
— Rhodes University (@Rhodes_Uni) October 6, 2022
Mtintso began her leadership career in 1972 at Fort Hare University.
She joined the South African Student Organisation, fighting for students’ rights during the apartheid era and Black Consciousness Movement where she worked closely with Mampela Rampela and Steve Biko.
Her activism in student politics led to her being detained several times by the security police in the 1970s, leading to her eventual expulsion from the University of Fort Hare.
Mtintso was expelled during her second year at the university, and sent to exile, where she joined uMkhonto we Sizwe and later became a commander of the ANC military wing.
The South Africa’s High Commissioner to Namibia, Thenjiwe Mtintso, says she is honoured to be given this honorary doctorate.
“I am so honoured to be given this honorary doctorate, but I must say it’s not for me alone, but for all those that held my hand throughout this journey to make today possible. There are many heroes and heroines that I fought with for liberation we see today. So, I owe this award to them, because without them I wouldn’t have made it.”
Mtintso has been active in various gender and women’s structures throughout her life. She has engaged in gender training, especially for women in politics in Africa.
She has written articles published in various local and international publications on women, patriarchy, gender relations and defence
“I am of the view that the fight against the rights of women is still something that we still need to do. We have not even begun to deal with this demon. I do feel that we have to be intentional everywhere at schools, universities, political offices fight against patriarchy. Men must know that they cannot call themselves men if they beat up woman. We need to do this as a unit as men and women it cannot be left to woman rights activists only”
Mtintso was South Africa’s High Commissioner to Malawi from 2016 to 2019. In 2022, she was appointed South Africa’s High Commissioner to Namibia.
Mtintso says she believes liberation that many like her fought for, is yet to be realised.
“I do feel that we are on the path to liberation. I know that politically things seem like they are chaotic but if anything, the fact that we see coalitions forming and we are now able to be freely vocal about the issues that we are not happy about politically means that slowly, but surely democracy is happening.”
Rhodes University Professor and Vice Chancellor Sizwe Mabizela says the honorary doctorate is to show appreciation for Mtintso’s dedication as a freedom fighter and gender activist.
“Today is our way of saying thank you to this selfless leader for all she has done for the freedom of the people of this country. Now it is on us to take the baton from leaders such as her and make sure that we and other young people lead this country with the same fearlessness that she has. Young people, just like her, must have clear vision for this country and be unapologetic in fighting for the rights of the people of this country.”
Mtintso says students must continue to fight for the decolonisation of the curriculum and also ensure that they fight any forms of gender exploitation.
