Buhle Zuma

With her experience and knowledge of working in one of the country?s leading pro-women?s rights organisations, Phuti Mabuza, the new Sexual Harassment Advisor, is up to the challenge of creating a safe environment with zero-tolerance for sexual and other harassment at Wits University.

According to Mabuza, ?Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, or other conduct based on gender or sexual orientation.?

?This conduct can include physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct which is perceived as unwelcome and covers a range of behaviours from offensive staring, gestures or comments, to physical assaults and rape,? she says.

Mabuza joins Wits from the People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) where she was the manager of the POWA Sebokeng and Soweto branch. She obtained her BA honours in Social Work at the University of Limpopo in 1994 although her career in gender activism started in her early days as a young social worker whilst stationed at the Sebokeng Hospital in the Gynaecology and Obstetrics unit.

?Every day I was exposed to gender linked violent incidences and this made me want to create awareness about the rights of women and children within the community,? explains Mabuza.

As such, she has participated in some critical processes that highlighted the challenge of attaining an equitable society, notably the Jacob Zuma rape trial, the Umlazi attacks on women wearing pants and the amendment of the Sexual Offences Bill.

She notes advocacy and outreach as a mainstay feature of her drive and a necessity in eradicating gender motivated violence and crimes.

Q: What is the role of a sexual harassment advisor?

A: When a case is reported I interact with the complainant in order to formalise and assist with the complaints procedure. Therefore, staff and students can approach me if there is a case to be reported. Secondly, I advise the University on policy, trends and problem areas on the subject.

Q: How do you plan to carry out your mandate as the sexual harassment officer?

A: Through raising awareness, building student relations and staff campaigns. Amazingly, there is an absence of posters on campus about sexual harassment and relevant information is not easily available. Overall there are three things that I want to achieve: awareness, education and the prevention of sexual harassment on campus.

Q: How does one protect him/herself from harassment or rape?

A: In the case of harassment, you must inform the person who is displaying unwanted attention, about how you feel about the situation or ask somebody to do it on your behalf. Modern technology such as email and cellphones have brought another dimension to sexual harassment.

Unfortunately because of the nature of rape, a person is not in a position of power and to negotiate. In order to protect yourself, ask the perpetrator to use a condom and report the crime as soon as possible so that you can get access to all the necessary resources. Of chief importance is access to Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment. PEP protects against HIV infection when one has been exposed to blood and body fluids that may contain the HI virus.

Q: How do you feel about women?s rights?

A: Let me firmly state that women?s rights are human rights. There is no extra right that a woman enjoys that a man does not have.

Q: What sort of qualities are required to work in your environment?

A: You must have a passion and knowledge of gender politics and rights. Familiarity with the Constitution and how the judiciary operates is an advantage. A strong personality is a must - sometimes the job has its lows, such as intimidation and poses a danger to your life and those of your loved ones.

Q: What has been the highlight of your career so far?

A: I carried out the skills audit and training of managers at POWA?s sister organisations throughout the nine provinces, called the Sector Strengthening Programme I also enjoy mentoring trainee social workers.

* If you need more information about sexual harassment or would like to lodge a complaint, you can contact Phuthi at the Counselling and Careers Development Unit on (011) 717-9144.