If you know me, you also know that I am not the joker in the group, I am the serious sometimes boring one. So last night when I was elected as UCT's President of Convocation and my first speech was more funny than serious. It got me wondering why? And where was my Amandla! and my Ilizwe lethu!
In short I was surprised and so I was still processing - again, if you know me....
I was super optimistic that as a united front of alumni, students, staff and black academics we could garner support and at least, win this convocation battle. I never set out to be in this role, I agreed because we needed someone everyone was willing to support. It is my honour to serve in this way. I am truly humbled by the faith people have in me. Being me, I had no victory speech nor did I even consider what I may say should we win. Now I know the value of having a prepared victory speech :) Though I still prefer my way, no expectations.
Then our win became so personal on social media with congratulations to me, and that is so uncool. Asseblief mense, WE won, please, enkosi, siyabulela! The protest space is expanding at UCT and we all need to own it and we all need to own the gains we make! The decolonial road is long and winding it is only through unity that we will get there!
In short I was surprised and so I was still processing - again, if you know me....
I was super optimistic that as a united front of alumni, students, staff and black academics we could garner support and at least, win this convocation battle. I never set out to be in this role, I agreed because we needed someone everyone was willing to support. It is my honour to serve in this way. I am truly humbled by the faith people have in me. Being me, I had no victory speech nor did I even consider what I may say should we win. Now I know the value of having a prepared victory speech :) Though I still prefer my way, no expectations.
Then our win became so personal on social media with congratulations to me, and that is so uncool. Asseblief mense, WE won, please, enkosi, siyabulela! The protest space is expanding at UCT and we all need to own it and we all need to own the gains we make! The decolonial road is long and winding it is only through unity that we will get there!
