Download PDFIsikhalo – the organisation that aims to use alternative media and decolonise journalism, specifically articles and videography. It was established on 20 June 2022, in the Eastern Cape (EC). The name means ‘the cry’, directly translated. The organisation is active in the Eastern Cape hinterland and rural areas such as Kariega, Gqeberha, Makhanda, and parts of Sunday’s River. Anelisa Bentele, a co-founder of Isikhalo Womxn’s Movement, says the organisation aims “to respond to womxn’s rights and gender struggles through intensive lobbying and advocacy,” using alternative media and decolonised journalism as tools to achieve the goals. Isikhalo was co-founded by Anelisa Bentele along with Sibongile Jonas; Anna Majavu, and Pumla Runeli.
The organisation aims to also build local womxn’s capacity for leadership and to educate its constituency about socio-economic and political rights. Isikhalo also lobbies the government on policy for gender transformation. The programmes of the organisation include workshops for children and women, around the theme of feminism as well as creative media. Its daily activities are recruiting members, cleaning the environment where there is litter, writing reports where activity was held, and attending court cases and meetings.
Pending formal registration, Isikhalo has no board of directors but only has three coordinators and volunteers who write quarterly reports. It has a working relationship with Rhodes University where members can access mentors, as well as professional social workers.
This article was submitted as part of the Imbila Yesu publication produced daily for the duration of the Winter School in 2023 (23-28 July 2023). It appeared in Edition No. 1, released on 24 July 2023.
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