By: Nokuthula Mabuza

Young ladies from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) participated in a walk organized by the Qhakaza Ladies Network, which is an all women social group that provides support for
young girls in the institution.

The walk, which served as a way to promote trust among young women, was also attended by the recently crowned Miss DUT 2015, Lisanne Lazarus.

Young women gathered outside the institution’s Fred Crookes Sport Centre before starting their journey from Steve Biko to Glenwood Park.

The walk provided a platform for young ladies to learn and share good or bad experiences that they have encountered in their lives.

Zola Shezi, councilor at the Isolempilo Clinic and a mentor for the young ladies from Qhakaza, said that the purpose of the walk was to make students support each other as females.

“We wanted to make these young ladies understand each other like sisters. Our aim was to prove that they can trust each other,” said Shezi.

Berea Residence Advisor, Sifundo Khumalo, criticized the way young women treat each other these days.

“I understand the value and importance of women but at some point I feel very disappointed.

I don’t like the way how they sell themselves cheap to us men,” Khumalo stated.

The biggest thing that Khumalo is concerned about is “how women talk about each other”.

“This thing of young women gossiping about each other doesn’t empower them at all but brings lot of hatred among themselves. I wish that it could stop,” added Khumalo.

Wendy Khulu, first year student in Office Management and Technology, said that she enjoyed playing her part in the walk.

“This event met my expectation as I was hoping we would be given a chance to share our stories and the opportunity was granted to us. I think these type of events helps one to gain confidence
about themselves,” said Khulu.

The event has gained momentum in the past three years since it started. Organisers are optimistic that it will still be around as long as there are female students registered at the institutions.