Sis Mandisa, a heroine of the less fortunate

Phumzile Nteyi, Gugulethu

Mandisa Monakali, was a public speaker, educator, social worker, researcher, lobbyist, advocate, project manager, strategic planner, workshop and community organizer. She was the president and founder of the Ilitha Labantu, a non-profit organisation that provides free counselling, legal support, training and empowerment to women and children who have suffered domestic violence and abuse.

Long before gender-based violence was common-place in the media, Monakali, a survivor of domestic violence herself, she was selfless in attending to women and children in need since 1989. It was a time of a lot of tears and fears when women and children were writhing in pain, suffering in silence as they collapsed under the weight of the stigma of abuse and domestic violence. Monakali, was the first to raise her hand and refused to suffer in silence and opened a cupboard of horrors where women came out with grotesque stories of absurd violence from their known partners.

Monakali’s story was remarkable because since inception, Ilitha Labantu was the only organisation in the Western Cape that served to empower women in townships and to address issues related to domestic violence, political violence and the abuse of women and children’s rights. Her story was unique and unrivalled from an organisation run by a few committed women to establishing satellite offices in five provinces in both township and rural areas and is committed to increasing the scope of its work throughout the country.

Any woman, with or without children, who has been physically, emotionally, verbally, financially, psychologically or sexually abused in Cape Town knew Sis Mandisa, as she was fondly known. She had a transition house that assists women who want to remove their children away from abuse at home. In addition to temporary accommodation, women were also offered psychosocial support so that they could move on successfully with their lives after leaving the house. These services include: counselling and advice; crisis intervention; legal advice; referrals services; training and education and access to support groups.

Monakali’s work thrust her into international spotlight. Monakali was shy about her success and allowed her organisation to be the premier brand that deals with issues of domestic violence, political violence and the abuse of women and children’s rights.

Monakali’s story needs to be told. For me, an unsung heroine is a woman who has made a positive impact on someone else or a community through her actions or words. She was someone who has dedicated her time, energy and enthusiasm to helping others thrive and inspired the people around her because of it. Yet she was unsung because she did not seek acknowledgement. All this captures succinctly the life and times of the foremost gender-based violence activists.

Historically, we know that women have had profound impact in every field and walk of life, but often haven't received recognition for their contributions. They work as hard or harder than their male counterparts, yet without similar resources, support or rewards

Monakali was an unsung heroine because she was an innovator, activist, visionary, survivor, mentor and leader. Her actions, large or small, have made a difference in communities throughout South Africa yet she was not a household name. By producing and sharing her story and celebrating her life and work, then maybe, just maybe, her impact can be multiplied.

Rest in Power Mashiya

Nteyi is a communications and media practitioner.