“WOMEN are put under a lot of scrutiny and are still confronted with harmful practices and stereotypes that seek to perpetuate patriarchy, sexism, oppression and discrimination.”
These are the words of newly elected Nehawu provincial chairperson, Noluthando Masango, in an exclusive interview with Komani-Karoo Express.
Masango, from the Chris Hani region, is the second woman to fill the position, after the late MP, Thozama Mantashe.
Masango had a career spanning 14 years as a unionist. Her first position of leadership in Nehawu was as the branch chairperson of the Education Department in Komani.
“My participation and interest in the trade union movement is influenced by the vital role unions play in the protection of workers’ rights through the use of collective power,” she said.
Masango had been regional chairperson in Chris Hani since 2015, until recently, when she was elected to the provincial office. This is a position that has seen her moving to East London full-time.
“Some of my key responsibilities are to maintain unity among workers, to represent and protect workers from being violated in the workplace.
“I conduct the day-to-day political and ideological work of the union so as to strengthen our branches and deepen class consciousness and to ensure that the struggle for women’s emancipation is properly understood as part of the broader struggles for socialism,” Masango said.
Masango, however, believes in the collective leadership taking their share of the responsibility and ensuring full functioning of the greater organisation and overcoming challenges as a leadership collective. While she oversees the entire organisation in the province, she is still passionate about the struggles of women, particularly in the workplace.
“My message to all women is that the journey to freedom and the total emancipation of women might be hard and difficult at times, but women should not lose hope; victory is certain,” Masango said.
