“VUT’s second-year Visual Arts students held a debate at Ster-Kinekor on the relevance and challenges of modern feminism, blending learning with art and performance.”
11 November 2025 | Story: Shadante Fourie | Photo: Supplied
3 minutes read time.
On 3 November 2025, second-year Visual Arts students from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted a thought-provoking debate at Ster-Kinekor, Vaal Mall, under the theme “Has modern-day feminism become a toxic environment for both men and women?”
The debate was inspired by the Art Theory II lecture titled “Feminism under Fire: Equality or Overpowering?” facilitated by Ms Zanele Lucia Radebe. The activity aimed to deepen students’ understanding of feminist theory through critical engagement, reflective dialogue, and creative exchange.
The ever-energetic Ms Makhosazana Kunene from VUT FM served as programme director, while Dr Mashaole Makwela officially welcomed the judges: Dr Tebogo Pitso, Manager: Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Founder of Telagogy, and Mx Thapelo Kgakatsi, Project Officer at the VUT Campus Health Clinic.
Dr Makwela highlighted the academic purpose of the event, stating, “Students usually express their arguments in essays. Today, they were challenged to convince one another and the audience through live debate, connecting theory to practice.”
The debate featured two teams, each presenting compelling arguments. The affirmative team, consisting of Ms Maishe Kgatle, Ms Azama Muyumba, Ms Jabulile Motsweni and Ms Aphiwe Buthelezi, argued that feminism remains essential in achieving equality in politics, culture and workplaces. The opposing team, made up of Ms Kutlwano Modise, Ms Owami Nonyane, Ms Amogelang Muthadi and Ms Lerato Mokoena, countered that feminism has evolved into a divisive movement.
After a spirited exchange of ideas, the affirmative team emerged victorious, while Ms Kutlwano Modise was named Best Speaker for her insightful counterarguments on the complexities men face within feminist spaces.
Guest speaker Ms Lebohang Motaung, a VUT alumna and practising artist, captivated attendees with her presentation on African women’s hairstyles and lived experiences, moderated by third-year student Ms Liyema Viti. The programme also included the screening of Mam Motshabi Tyelele’s acclaimed play Shwele Bawo, followed by a discussion on feminism and gender-based violence led by Ms Nkululeko Khumalo, Fine Art Lecturer and Independent Curator.
Reflecting on the debate, Advanced Diploma student Ms Siyolise Nondyebo Mtlomelo remarked, “Hearing both sides challenged my beliefs and reminded me why feminism remains vital in confronting patriarchy and reshaping equality.” Third-year student Ms Sponono Matjila described it as “a truly insightful experience that broadened my perspective on gender equality.”
Judges also praised the students’ intellectual depth. Dr Pitso commended their analytical rigour, while Mr Gilbert Maepa observed that the students demonstrated “a strong grasp of feminist concepts such as body politics and the male gaze, a solid foundation for their future art practices.”
The event concluded with a networking session and the presentation of portrait artworks to the guests. It was a memorable and intellectually enriching experience that showcased how VUT’s Visual Arts students continue to use art, research, and debate to confront contemporary social issues and advance gender discourse in South Africa.