The Durban University of Technology (DUT) LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, and Allies+) society in collaboration with the DUT Department of Student Counselling and Health Unit recently hosted their official Rainbow Alliance Society launch at Indumiso campus, Pietermaritzburg.
The event was facilitated by the DUT Health Promotion Project Officer-Counselling and Health: Ms Siphesihle Ngubo. The DUT Midlands Student Counsel and Development Services Director, Ms Fathima Haffajee when sharing her opening remarks and unpacking the purpose of the day, started by acknowledging all guests including the Dean of Students: Dr Clement Moreku, Director of Student Counselling and Health: Dr Naseem Haniff, Student Representative Council Social and Welfare, guest speaker: Leticia Sishi, HIV/AIDS coordinator: Ms Thobile Zulu, Central Housing Executive, Qhakaza, Insika Network and other clubs and societies.
“We commit to ensuring that there is no stigma or discrimination within our communities. We affirm our shared commitment to an equal society and equal rights for all of us. It is very historic that the DUT LGBTIQA+ white chapter is being created in the Midlands. Initially, this club was known as Impilo Yami (Midland’s campuses and Shadows in the Rainbow) respectively it was founded as a student organisation in both campuses in almost 15 years ago,” stated Ms Haffajee.
She went on to say that they truly admire the DUT-wide inauguration of the new society and members of the Shadows in the Rainbow and that they are looking forward to the new DUT-wide alliance.
Messages of support from different units and societies were shared. The Director of Student Counselling and Health: Dr Naseem Haniff shared her words of support. She hopes that this society can work with everyone to dismantle barriers and lead the march in terms of creating a more inclusive culture at DUT.
“We should be able to respect the rights and experiences of all of us who are members of this community, not just the LGBTQIA community, but everyone should actively engage with this club and society, attend their events, participate in discussions, and educate ourselves about issues that this community face because they are us and we are them. Let us foster an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Finally, I would like to thank the organisers, supporters, and everyone in attendance for their passion and commitment to supporting inclusivity and equality,” said Dr Haniff.
The Dean of Students Dr Moreku shared a crucial message of support for this initiative.
“There is a need for programmes specifically aimed at addressing challenges experienced by the LGBTQI+ society on campuses. In most cases, these programmes will be integrated with diversity initiatives that address stigma and discrimination,” said Dr Moreku.
He added that these programmes should promote an enabling atmosphere in and around campus by creating networks, support structures, and services that are welcoming to students.
“This launch acts as a first step towards the institution’s transition. Higher education institutions should act as transformation incubators, addressing discriminatory tendencies openly, sympathetically, and regarding human rights. The Dean of Student’s Office is supportive of this organisation and will ensure that it promotes the rights of LGBTQIA+ students and employees,” he concluded.
Miss Leticia Sishi, a DUT student, shared her experience as a transgender woman. She has worked in several LGBTQIA+ related organisations and has been a leader in empowering transgender people and individuals, particularly transgender women. Miss Sishi also has a catering firm that she established in 2019 to build skills and empower the transgender community. She has advocated for various seminars within the LGBTQIA+ community to combat prejudice in communities. Sishi is currently championing what it means to be brave in the country and worldwide.
The unveiling of the official DUT LGBTIQA+ Rainbow Alliance banner was showcased by the DUT Student Services Management and the SRC/HIV representatives, LGBTIQA+ Club and society, the logo is a is polygonal heart shaped. The heart shaped logo serves as timeless symbol of love, compassion, and emotion, whereby each segment has a specific meaning. The core concept of the design is to embody students’ services values while celebrating inclusivity, diversity, and unity.
The programme proceeded with messages of support from other clubs and societies, including POP IN, a member of the SRC Social and Welfare, and respective representatives from Qhakaza and the Insika Network, who all promised to support the LGBTQIA+ community.
To conclude the successful event a question-and-answer session followed, during which students were able to interact with Sishi. HIV/AIDS Counselling and Health Co-Ordinator, Ms Thobile Zulu delivered the final remarks and vote of thanks, thanking everyone who came out to support the launch.
Pictured: DUT LGBTQIA+ students and staff. (Photographer: Nomvelo Cebekhulu).
Nomvelo Cebekhulu
