by Gerrit Bester
The Postgraduate Study Area at the Faculty of Arts and Design Library, Tshwane University of Technology, marks a new chapter in the Faculty’s commitment to research-informed dialogue and collaborative learning.
Prof Nalini Moodley, Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts and Design, cutting the ribbon to a new Postgraduate Study Area in the Faculty Library.
Opened by Prof Nalini Moodley, Executive Dean, on 30 September, the space fosters reading, writing and peer-supervisor collaboration, promoting a dynamic, failure-tolerant environment and cross-border knowledge exchange through a Clevertouch smart screen.
Speaking at the event, Prof Pfunzo Sidogi, Assistant Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Research and Innovation at the Faculty, said the idea arose from a survey of postgraduate students about their ideal work environment. The responses indicated that a conducive, quiet space to engage with peers can greatly assist the postgraduate journey, among other factors.
In tandem with the opening, the Faculty launched Art as Resistance: Creative Responses to Gender-Based Violence in South Africa, a curated book edited by Prof Moodley; Prof Chatradari Devroop, Research Professor at the Faculty; and Dr Connie Israel, Professional Editor.
Through a collection of articles, the five-chapter book demonstrates how Artivism, that intersection of artistic practice and activism, emerges as a transformative response that moves beyond traditional policy mechanisms and disciplinary procedures to engage with Gender-Based Violence through embodied knowledge production, collective healing and pedagogical transformation.
The book emerged from a one-day symposium on Gender-Based Violence held at the Faculty in 2024, which brought together researchers, artists, practitioners and community members to share their work and insights on creative responses to Gender-Based Violence.
It places Artivism at the centre of re-imagining the University’s role in confronting Gender-Based Violence by examining Individual Healing Through Art, Building Communities of Support and Creating Change in Institutions, supplemented by a list of images, costume designs, figures and tables.
The book contains submissions from several Faculty staff representing various art disciplines.
In reference to the book, Prof Moodley said it is a proud moment for the Faculty to have a book emanating from the research niche area, Artivism as a Tool to Combat Gender-Based Violence(s).
She said that the book underscores the Faculty’s recognition of the importance of research as a pillar of a university and that universities are structures where human voices need to be celebrated.
Prof Nalini Moodley, Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts and Design,
having a closer look at the new Postgraduate Study Area.
“Gender-Based Violence is a collective challenge that demands our urgent attention and action. We must confront its reality directly, both within the classroom and through the curriculum, ensuring that we leave behind a legacy of genuine transformation,” she emphasised.
The cover of Art as Resistance: Creative Responses to Gender-Based Violence in South Africa features a striking photo by Didintle Morudu, an Advanced Diploma: Commercial Photography student.
Prof Devroop outlined the compilation of the book and the lessons learned.
“We must constantly ask ourselves what a university is all about. It is about generating knowledge and documenting it,” he underpinned.
He added that he hopes the book inspires staff on their respective research journeys. “Every one of you has a story to tell.”
Art as Resistance: Creative Responses to Gender-Based Violence in South Africa is available from the Faculty of Arts and Design at R300 per copy.
For more information, please contact Busi Mashaba at
Wandile Mgcodo, lecturer at the Department of Performing Arts, is one of the contributors to Art as Resistance: Creative Responses to Gender-Based Violence in South Africa
Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, Head of the
Department of Performing Arts, speaking about her experience of contributing to Art as Resistance: Creative Responses to Gender-Based Violence in South Africa.
Prof Chatradari Devroop, Research Professor: Faculty of
Arts and Design and co-author of Art as Resistance:
Creative Responses to Gender-Based Violence in South
Africa, speaking at the event.
Prof Pfunzo Sidogi, Assistant Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Research
and Innovation: Faculty of Arts and Design, said the idea of the
Postgraduate Study Area arose from a survey of postgraduate students.
Charlotte Silulu, lecturer at the Department of Performing Arts
(Vocal Art
programme), entertained guests with a heartfelt rendition of
Plea from Africa,
backed by Performing Arts students.
PHOTOS: Andile Nkosi