“They don’t have any tolerance for lowering the bar and lowering the standards; they are calling out important parts of our  schooling.’’

These resolute words stem from Tswelopele Makoe, a Master’s Candidate at the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice. With sheer vigor, she expressed this sentiment during  an interview with the Department for Institutional Advancement at the University recently. 
 

In addition to her academic pursuit, Makoe serves as an Ethics tutor for first-year students in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. She takes immense pride in her role and cherishes the opportunity to guide her students.

“First-year students, some are extremely ferocious, some are quiet and they keep to themselves. After sometime they come out of their shell, but I think what has been the most interesting - they don’t have any tolerance for non-standards, for lowering the bar,” said Makoe.

As South Africa concludes Women's Month, figures like Makoe have taken up the gauntlet of women empowerment and dedicated themselves to fostering positive change.

Makoe, a wordsmith in her own right with a byline in several print and online weekly publications,  penned her concerns in a letter to parliament in 2021.

“Certain prejudices against women are overlooked and normalised. A lot of women deal with it as a normal part of our society, which is highly problematic,” she added.. 

Makoe hails from a family of academics and liberal thinkers. Her mother is an Executive Dean of Education at a renowned institution of higher education in Pretoria, while her father, a veteran journalist and diplomatic writer, has held influential roles including Political Editor at one of the biggest broadcasting media houses in the country. Makoe grew up engaging in candid discussions around the dinner table, especially on issues affecting women.

‘’Women in general are extremely vulnerable in academic spaces. As a young woman, you’re extremely vulnerable in the context of your evolution in the world and the advancement of your knowledge and how that can be perceived as a threat in many spaces.”

Recently celebrating her 27th birthday on 29 August, she is committed as ever in the fight for gender equality and the advocacy of women’s rights. She is steadfast in her passion for her heritage and culture, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Ethics with a focus on digital religion. Specifically, the exploration of sangomas on social media, particularly on Instagram.

When asked about her ultimate aspirations, Makoe responds confidently: “Having African knowledge shaped by African People.” At face value, her goal may appear ambitious, but it is by no means impossible. Makoe fervently believes that the development of African epistemology is a noble cause, both in academia and in life itself.