Nelson Mandela University congratulates alumnus and Alumni Awards recipient Anela Siswana on his appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa as one of seven members of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF).
The Council members will serve a three-year term from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2029, following their appointment in terms of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence Act, 2024 (Act No. 9 of 2024).
According to the Presidency, the Council is a statutory body mandated to provide strategic leadership in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). It is responsible for coordinating a multisectoral and intersectoral approach to implementing South Africa's national strategy to address GBVF at national, provincial, local and community levels.
Siswana, who holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling) from Nelson Mandela University and was recognised with a Nelson Mandela University Alumni Award, described the appointment as both an honour and a call to meaningful service.
"I receive this appointment to the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide with deep humility, gratitude and a profound willingness to serve our nation at a time when gender-based violence and femicide remain one of South Africa's greatest crises.
"The composition of this Council is, for me, a powerful testament to transformation, diversity and inclusion. As a queer-identifying gay man, I am deeply conscious of the responsibility to ensure that the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ persons, alongside those of women, children and all communities who continue to experience marginalisation, are meaningfully represented in shaping our national response.
"I believe South Africa yearns for more than policy—it yearns for restoration, justice and holistic healing. My hope is that this Council contributes towards re-imagining a society where dignity is protected, accountability is unwavering, and justice is not merely promised but becomes a lived experience for every person.
"President Cyril Ramaphosa's call of 'Thuma Mina'—'Send me'—is more than a slogan; it is an ethical invitation to service. I accept this appointment in that spirit: ready to listen, to learn, to collaborate, and to serve those who need us most. Together, I believe we can build a South Africa where safety, healing and human dignity are realities for all."
Siswana's appointment reflects his longstanding commitment to social justice, inclusion and human dignity. His leadership and advocacy continue to make a meaningful impact both nationally and within the communities he serves.
Nelson Mandela University is proud to celebrate this significant achievement and wishes Anela every success as he embarks on this important national responsibility. His appointment is a testament to the University's commitment to producing graduates who lead with purpose and contribute to building a more just, inclusive and compassionate South Africa.