Nothando Gulube, a social-work graduate from Stellenbosch University (SU), recently started her own organisation, Include My Story, to start the conversation about “the importance of understanding each other” among young people.
Raised by her grandparents in a rural village in Limpopo, she says she always wanted to contribute to the development of people. The spirit of ubuntu had driven her to help those in need and ultimately study social work.
“Initially I thought social work is just about giving out soup, but as I learnt more I realised social work is actually quite broad,” Gulube said. “It’s in economics, politics, the private sector and the public sector. It’s all about development, advocating for human rights, and more.”
Her day-to-day job is at Stellenbosch Municipality, where she is working as a ward administrator, and which she believes is also a social work environment.
“It’s basically social work, since I’m working with communities every day, making sure everyone gets service delivery. For example, I’m constantly identifying NGOs so the municipality can assist where possible.”
According to Gulube she had to start a community project for it was a requirement for a leadership programme she had enrolled in at Imbewu Political Academy at the beginning of the year.
“We were required to start a project, but as a social work graduate I always wanted to help empower young people in our country. I used this opportunity to work on the dream I always had, to unite, empower and help develop our young people.”
The organisation seeks to create a platform where young people can converse on the history of Stellenbosch, cultural differences and social issues in South Africa.
“We want to create a space where young people can be free to ask, to learn and unlearn. A space where we can break the stereotypes around certain cultures, certain races, and expose them to different lived experiences.”
Gulube says her end goal is to get young people from Stellenbosch to “unite despite their differences and to collaborate in solving the social issues” of South Africa.
The first platform will be hosted today (Thursday 21 July) at the Stellenbosch Museum, with public figures such as former Public Protector Professor Thuli Madonsela, Western Cape MEC for Culture, Arts and Sport Anroux Marais, and Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor Ndipiwe Olayi speaking.
According to Gulube they will touch on issues such as the history of Stellenbosch, young people in leadership, diversity and culture, and more. Learners will then get the opportunity to share their experiences and vision for South Africa in an essay competition.
Gulube says her organisation’s name stems from the idea that everyone has a story to tell which should be included.
“Sometimes people feel excluded because there is no space created for the inclusion of their stories. For example, people from Khayamandi and Cloetesville at times do not feel part of this town, so inviting everyone here is a way of saying we want to include and listen to your story as well.”
