Personal Testimony – Working for USAID Ms. Nomea Masihleho

Printeremail

Ambassador Gips; the Consul General; Vice Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (in his absence); Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Western Cape; USAID Director and Deputy Director; Esteemed Guests, all Protocols observed.

I feel privileged to be here tonight to share with you the highlights of my journey of service as a South African employee of USAID at this joyous occasion to celebrate both USAID and the University of Western Cape’s 50th Anniversaries.

First, let me acknowledge and pay tribute to men and women who have served USAID and UWC for many more years than me. Some of them are here in the audience. I say to you all, Halaalaa colleagues Halaalaa!

My journey of service with USAID started in 1989. It was a time of heightened state repression, conflict in communities, political violence and uncertainty in this country. It was for this reason that USAID programs in South Africa, were mandated by US legislation that included the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986.

We supported and worked with community-based groups that fought for justice and human rights. The leaders of these groups were considered “enemies of the state” by the then apartheid government. They were harassed and detained, and we also did not escape scrutiny from the security personnel. But USAID programs continued to build and strengthen leadership and institutions in disadvantaged community in preparation for leadership positions in a post-apartheid South Africa.

As the political climate changed in the early 1990s, we moved to support democratic processes, promotion of peace-making processes, conflict resolution and community mediation efforts.

The highlight of all times for me in this journey is the massive support we provided for the first democratic elections in 1994. The many community based groups we worked with, especially the Advice Centers, crisscrossed the country conducting voter education in remote rural villages, such as Hewu and Whittlesea in the Eastern Cape. Visiting this site, we had to park our rental car way down the road and go up a steep path to reach the small church where many villagers were being trained in voter education and elections.

As we witnessed the long queues on 27 April 1994, I know in my mind that we made a difference for the people of HEWU and many remote and rural areas in this country.

Fast forward to today, our programs are planned together and agreed upon with the South African government departments that we work with. Through the partnership with the department of health and many South African NGOs, we provide support and life-saving drugs through one of the largest HIV/AIDS programs in the world.

Last year we witnessed the testimony of a young economically active woman who was the 100,000th patient to be initiated on ARVs under the Foundation for Professional Development-supported program in Tshwane. Without the support of USAID-PEPFAR funded program, I doubt that this young woman would have been alive today.

There are many gratifying events and stories one could share, but time does not allow that.

It is an honor to serve my fellow citizens and country through USAID. It has been privilege to be a part of this premier agency for international development.

As Albert Einstein said “All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual.”

May USAID and UWC continue to push back the frontiers of poverty and underdevelopment for 50 more years.

Ke a leboga! Ndi ya bulela! I thank you!