The Southern African Community

I was humbled and honoured to have been nominated for the African Women in Europe Awards in Geneva because of my work with the Southern African Community (SAC) and also receiving the certificate for my work with Southern African and Ethnic Minority Communities. I co-founded the SAC in 2014 and this was mainly because the Southern African Region and its people are relatively unknown in the United Kingdom. My vision was to promote the Southern African identity in the United Kingdom, and also highlight the positive contribution they have made in the United Kingdom.

SAC is relatively unknown in the United Kingdom. When you talk about Southern African people most think that you are talking about South Africa or Zimbabwe and yet there are 15 countries in Southern Africa. I did a Cultural and Empowerment Workshop in Thurrock which was attended by the Mayor of Thurrock and the main objective of the workshop was to promote multicultural awareness, integration, social cohesion and relations between people of Southern Africa, and also both nationals and residents of the United Kingdom.

My journey started in 2011 when l was part of the Parliamentary Scheme with the OBV shadowing Meg Hillier. I experienced the everyday duties of an MP. However, when l finished it made me question why ethnic minorities are under-represented in certain professions. This gave me the courage to make a difference in my SAC and highlight the positive difference SAC is making in the United Kingdom. Cultural awareness reduces stereotypes and myths about migrants. Migrants are mostly given the stereotypes that they are parasites and a burden, and most of their positive contributions are not recognized.

In our SAC we have had 2 councillors elected during the last election. We have had Martin Chunga who was the former chairperson for the Malawian Community in the UK, and Nicolle Ndiweni who is the first black councillor of Hucknall, she entered politics to help the less priviledged group of people in society. My experience and support from OBV has really helped and it gave me the confidence to keep fighting for Justice.

During my work with the SAC, l have had volunteers who contributed with their time when l was organising workshops. I have worked along a good team which included Boikanyo Trust Phenyo who is one of the leaders of the Botswana Community and the Editor of the book ‘11 miles’. The profits of the book will help the under privileged people in Botswana.

Thandiwe Khumalo