Rising like the phoenix from the ashes

Recognised as one of the top achievers in the Faculty of Humanities, Bukiwe’s story is far from glamorous.

Studying full time, while working and parenting often left her on the verge of quitting — but like a phoenix rising from the ashes, she persevered.

“The past few years were the most difficult time of my life because of the responsibility I had to bear without funding or a stable source of income.

But time showed me that umzingisi akanashwa (a determined person is never unlucky) kwaye isikhova sidla ngeso laso, esimehlw’ ankungu sifa yindlala (an owl eats with its own eye; those blinded by fog die of hunger),” said Bukiwe.

Bukiwe’s research investigated the empowerment of women and children in literature, using womanism, feminism, and empowerment as theoretical frameworks.

“Previous research mostly focused on the oppression of women in literature, so the aim was to explore whether there were books that actually represented women and children — especially the girl child — as people with the power to speak for themselves and ultimately break free from patriarchal stereotypes,” Bukiwe explained.

The findings of her research highlighted that isiXhosa literature plays a vital role in depicting female experiences. It not only portrays the challenges faced by women and girls but also showcases the power they hold in controlling their lives.

“This research contributes to gender representation in isiXhosa literature, emphasising the importance of producing books that empower female characters,” Bukiwe added.

One of the books analysed in her research, ‘Nathi Singabantu’ by Hobongwana (2015), is commonly used by high school learners.

A significant part of Bukiwe’s research is the belief that analysing isiXhosa texts that empower women gives hope to readers, showing them that they, too, can change their lives if they find themselves in a situation similar to the characters’.

Hailing from the village of Ndibela in Mthatha, Bukiwe fondly recalls how she has always been drawn to language and literature from an early age.

“I remember in primary school when we were reading a book titled ‘Akwaba Ndandazile’. I read for the class and found myself changing voices to reflect character changes. I would also imitate a dog’s bark while reading, which my classmates found really engaging, so I was always tasked with reading, all the way through to high school,” she said.

Never far removed from language and literature, Bukiwe often took study breaks by reading a Xhosa novel or drama.

This early foreshadowing led her to eventually drop out of an LLB programme at the University of Fort Hare before pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Mandela University, where she later specialised in languages and literature.

Now a PhD candidate, and firmly rooted in her chosen field, Bukiwe aspires to contribute to language development in academic spaces, to preserve African languages through both writing and teaching.

“Umnqweno ayikokongeza inani kuluhlu lwabagaxele imigangxo kuphela koko kukuphosa kuvimba wophuhliso, ibhongo neqhayiya lweelwimi zethu; zingabhangi iilwimi zethu sikhona,” she said.

Outside academia, Bukiwe was recently part of the Khazimla Story Festival, an annual event held in Kariega, organised by Nal'ibali, focusing on promoting literacy through storytelling. She was invited to facilitate a panel discussion under the theme ‘Ikhona into ezuzwayo ngabantwana xa befundiswa isiXhosa?’ (Is there something beneficial for children when taught isiXhosa?).

“My aim is not only to graduate but also to be part of the community and preserve these languages through writing. I was very proud to be among those primary school authors,” she said.

Additionally, Bukiwe was featured in an SABC series called ‘The Language Series’ in 2023, where the importance of the isiXhosa language was discussed — how to preserve it and inspire youth to love, take pride in, and protect the language.

Bukiwe’s hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. Her supervisor, Dr Andiswa Mvanyashe, praised her as one of the hardest working students she has ever had.

“I am grateful to the people who have been part of my academic journey and who played a role in ensuring I finished my master’s degree within the stipulated time frame and with distinction,” Bukiwe said.

“To my brilliant supervisor, Dr Mvanyashe, and my amazing editors, Dr Lwandlekazi Notshe and Dr Mmampho Gogela-Smith, ukwanda kwaliwa ngumthakathi” (growth is cursed by the wizard) she added.