Ntsako Mathebula is the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) Limpopo Provincial Secretary of Gender Structure. She is based in Giyani, Mopani District, in Limpopo province in South Africa. She became a study circle leader for the IFWEA study circles programme in April this year. She talks about how she came to be involved in her trade union, and her experience in leading a study circle:
How did you become a member of DENOSA?
I was recruited by a DENOSA shop steward during my comprehensive four-year diploma training days at the former Gazankulu College of Nursing, around 1996.
To what extent has worker education, learning and training at DENOSA helped you in your position?
It has helped me articulate worker challenges, helped with my development as a worker, and broadened my skills as a leader.
Does DENOSA have a developed worker education programme?
Yes, DENOSA has basic shop steward training which teaches a lot relating to the operational issues confronting workers. There are also political education opportunities from time to time, like shop stewards’ councils.
When did you become a study circle leader for the IFWEA study circles programme?
23 April 2024
And why?
It felt like a good opportunity to learn new skills myself and also get to teach others.
What study circles have you been running?
Training in:
- Basic computer skills
- Basic smart phone skills
- Google sheets
How many people are involved, as participants?
In total we had around 32 participants, and the idea was to have three different study circles. Group 2 had 11 participants, and nine completed all Level 1 courses. Groups 1 and 3 are still busy, the journey is still on!
What have you learned, about how to facilitate a study circle?
A study circle offers an exciting opportunity to learn new skills provided there’s commitment from the facilitator and the participants. It needs patience from the facilitator for it to be successful, especially when conducted virtually. Respect is key.
What are the challenges?
You need internet stability, data, and sufficient time to teach those who are slow to comprehend. It wasn’t easy when done using cell phones – those who had laptops managed much better. A lack of computers and/or smartphones is a challenge.
And what are the high points?
In all honesty, initially I never saw myself facilitating a computer class, and you can only imagine the adrenaline rush – and the anxiety! – but somehow I figured it out.
I would always start by saying: “I’m equally a participant like you all, so we are going to learn as we go.” Every participant felt free to contribute to the lessons – we had a mix of people, some of whom had a bit of knowledge and some who were at a bare minimum. This was a good mix and made the lessons more interesting.
Moving from the known to the unknown was a game changer. The most fulfilling experience was being able to do something that you didn’t know before.
What impact would you like these study circles to have?
The study circles can make quite an impact since they can reach people at the grassroots level. They would work even better if people could be reached physically, like for instance by using a computer lab for practising by those who do not have access to computers or smartphones.
Do you feel confident to train others how to lead a study circle?
Yes, I can do that.
Do you feel you have had enough support, from IFWEA, in learning to run study circles?
I ended up figuring it out with the help of Melanie and Yusrah (from IFWEA) who were very supportive, answering all questions.
Find out more about IFWEA Study Circles here.