Nomahlubi Rasmeni is one of OSISA’s oldest employees and has worked tirelessly since 1999 to support the organisation’s advocacy efforts.
Every organisation is built on the backs of administrative staff who ensure the integrity of essential processes. Nomahlubi Rasmeni has worked tirelessly behind the scenes since 1999, making her one of OSISA’s oldest employees. She recounts how meeting George Soros inspired her to become a human rights activist and details the lessons learned over 24 years.
Meeting the call to action
Shortly after joining OISA, Rasmeni met George Soros. The encounter sparked a newfound desire to engage in human rights advocacy. Soros inspired her by using his wealth to fight for people’s rights. “He was not selfish about his money,” says Rasmeni.
At the time, Rasmeni was helping to process grant proposals. “I used to look at the proposals and see that people are suffering,” she explains. The poverty written on those pages motivated her to work harder to make a change.
“The feedback that we receive after giving a grant makes me feel great when I go to sleep at night.”
Early days at OSISA
During her time at OSISA, Rasmeni has worked under four different directors across two different offices:
- Lucy Muyoyeta (1999 – 2004)
- Tawanda Mutasah (2004 – 2009)
- Sisonke Msimang (2009 -2013)
- Siphosami Malunga (2013 – present)
When Rasmeni first joined OSISA, there were only five people working in the organisation’s Braamfontein head office. As the organisation took on new programmes, the staff complement grew, necessitating a move to new offices in Rosebank in 2009.
Programme work
Rasmeni was constantly searching for new ways to engage in human rights advocacy for OSISA. Through OSISA, she was allowed to deepen her skill set by studying communications and media. “That’s the privilege of working for OSISA,” she explains, “they encourage us to study further.
Weathering storms
Rasmeni has experienced some fear of change. She used to worry that her warm, friendly space would alter under new leadership. “Nothing has changed. Our transitions have always been smooth.”
A criticism Rasmeni often faced was being labelled as the “OSISA finisher” because she had been at the organisation for so long. People would ask why she wasn’t seeking new challenges. However, Rasmeni says, “It depends on what you want from life.”
“They encourage us to study further.”
Eventually, in 2012, she was offered the opportunity to work as a programme assistant on one of OSISA’s many programmes as a programme assistant. As a result, she joined the Health Rights programme, where she worked on a project alongside the Her Rights Initiative to combat forced sterilisation in Southern Africa.
“Health was my favourite programme,” says Rasmeni, “because it was such a broad programme. We worked to educate people about how to protect themselves from diseases and look after their health.” She enjoyed being able to hear people’s stories and listening to how
After working on the Health Rights programme, she later joined two additional programmes: Indigenous Rights and LGBTI+.
Lessons learned
Working in human rights is volatile as everything seems to be constantly changing. However, the experience has taught Rasmeni to be in motion constantly. “We must never be comfortable in our situations,” says Rasmeni.
Rasmeni extols the virtue of ensuring that change is happening and adapting to that change. “Change is not easy, and it is not comfortable, but we must learn to embrace the process,” says Rasmeni sagely.
“Change is not easy, and it is not comfortable, but we must learn to embrace the process.”
Rasmeni reflects that much of what she’s learned has come from being exposed to human suffering through her work. However, the most crucial takeaway for her is not taking people’s situations for granted.
She recounts visiting Malawi for the first time. “I remember seeing how people, and especially children, were suffering,” says Rasmeni. She came home and told her children to count their blessings. “I don’t think I could stay there and survive,” she adds.
She also reflects on the hope that people carry in dire circumstances. “The kids are so dedicated to go and study,” says Rasmeni, “they’re always going to school because they want to see the light in their life.”
Despite the hardship she’s witnessed, certain moments bring her joy during her work. “The feedback we’d receive after giving a grant makes me feel great when I sleep at night,” says Rasmeni.
Conclusion
Rasmeni is still determining what the future holds for her, so she has joined a new portfolio: Participation and Expression. While some of the work is familiar, there are new concepts she needs to learn and understand better. Change may be intimidating, but nothing will prevent her from working tirelessly to uphold the rights we hold sacred.
