I am a registered nurse (RN) and a professional Counsellor graduated with The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP). I completed my AVAC research advocacy fellowship on MMC in 2011. I started my advocacy as student body president of my university and continued later while president of the provincial Student Union. As part of a team of researchers, I investigated torture and kidnapping of citizens during the year 2005 in DRC. For our work, we received numerous commendations, including a Diploma of Excellence from the Committee for Peace and Development Journalists, the most highly esteemed grouping of investigative journalists in DRC. That research was the basis for a province-wide campaign aimed particularly at the notorious DRC National Police.
After receiving training from the Catholic’s National Episcopal Committee on “Active Non-Violence” in 2005, I conducted dozens of similar trainings to teach and promote tolerance amongst students adhering to various political parties ahead of general elections in DRC.
In 2006, I was trained as an observers’ supervisor for the national elections in my province. Speaking out afterwards against the blatant rigging and intimidation led to threats against my life. Colleagues were kidnapped and disappeared. After I became a nurse, my advocacy focused more on HIV/AIDS.
In SA since 2007 I have continued advocacy with several organizations; including PPASA (Planned Parenthood of South Africa), WWWA, Sonke Gender Justice Network, and DTHF. I’ve been active in ad hoc campaigns, including supporting rape victims and the two Malawians arrested for homosexuality, and against South African xenophobia. Justice is my theme.