Itumeleng Lets’oala, 28, is the community outreach and advocacy manager at the public health advocacy group OurEquity. The group’s mission is to achieve the highest standard of physical and mental health. This has been the home of Itumeleng’s activism, where she was given the support to advocate for different experts by using her experience in multimedia. Her focus is stakeholder engagement, as well as creating health content for various clients. Educating, working with and equipping young people are the core pillars of her work. For Itumeleng, being part of the collective gives her access to other like-minded collaborators around the world. One challenge she had to deal with was her mental health, but, with help, she learnt to maintain a healthy balance between her personal and professional life. She previously worked as the communications officer at the Soul City Institute for Social Justice. In her current job, she works with various stakeholders on health issues, as well as advancing the organisation’s feminist agenda. Looking ahead, Itumeleng envisions the radical feminist movement prospering and that young people are given a seat at the table.
Certificate Programme in Broadcasting, Y Academy
NQF4 Film Production, eAcademy
After years of manifesting, I finally had the honour of working as the Communications Officer at the Soul City Institute for Social Justice. In my job, I worked tirelessly to engage various stakeholders on health issues, as well as advancing the organisation’s feminist agenda. From writing press statements, producing and moderating webinars, planning and hosting events, coordinating activations and facilitating workshops. It was such a thrill to witness the fruit of my labour in real time. The young faces I met and served brought me the most joy. I also learnt a lot about myself as a leader through the opportunity to train and mentor three interns, with whom I imparted my knowledge. Most importantly, the experience exposed me to the ins and outs of the NGO/NPO sector, and its relationship with private and government funding. There were great lessons on the contradictions that exist within the space, particularly the compromises made to survive a capitalist system as a feminist.
Not only is she my role model, but I had the privilege of being mentored by Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, who has taught me everything I know. She has been a catalyst in the journey of my growth, often providing much-needed representation in spaces that disadvantaged people, like me, had previously faced.