By Siyabonga Gema, HST Communications Officer
Anyone who knows Health Systems Trust (HST) Research Associate, Algernon Africa can attest to his ''can-do'' attitude and energetic approach to work and life. A true example of HST's values, Algernon exudes professionalism and confidence. I recently sat down with him to get to know him better.
How long have you been with HST and which position/s have you occupied?
I joined HST in August 2012 and started out as a Research Assistant. Later in my career when working on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Border Health Project I transitioned to Project Officer. When we transitioned from being the Health Systems Research (HSR) Unit to the Research and Implementation Science (RIS) Unit, I became a Research Associate.
Tell us more about what your role at HST entails
I am currently a Research Associate within the RIS Unit. My responsibilities include overseeing research activities from research project planning, project implementation, supervision of field operations, to list a few. I also assist with the compilation of information for two HST publications, namely the District Health Barometer (DHB) and the South African Health Review (SAHR). I also specialise in bio-monitoring of specimens within completed research trials. I am instrumental in forming professional relationships with stakeholders.
What influenced your decision to be in the development/NGO sector?
When I was employed at the University of Cape Town 12 years ago, specialising in environmental research within the agricultural sector, conscientised me to farmers, their exposure to pesticides and healthcare experiences. I then had a keen interest in primary health care and public health. My environmental health background has been instrumental in ensuring that my current HST work places and field work sites are not in breach of any health and safety regulations.
How do you spend your time away from work?
As a child I attended cubs and scouts but my nine-year-old son has never been exposed to survival skills, so I love camping and the outdoors to show him all I know. I love driving around the peninsula of our beautiful City of Cape Town. I love cooking and cook for my family every day, though my wife cooks when she wants to. I love music and singing. Most importantly I relax when I watch my son enjoy himself wherever I take him. We should teach our sons that they can be strong and sensitive at the same time. I believe it could play an active role in potentially reducing gender-based violence (GBV) in future. I love working with the youth in my communities and being a part of their educational journey. Today's youth engages the environment via social media, and I believe they can make positive changes by making a noise on their various social media platforms. Support in empowering our youth keeps me smiling and happy.
What gives you motivation?
My mother. She sacrificed to get me through my studies and I have seen hardship as well as joy on her face at the end of our strife. Education is key and her motivation made me mentor the youth, not only my family, but in my community as well, being a part of their educational journey. The motivation from my mother has contributed to my working with youth in my own capacity.
What is the best advice you've ever received in your life? (personal or professional)
Personal: from my grandfather "Only you are in control of your happiness, what others think of you is none of your business".
Professional: "Raise girls and boys to know that cooking and cleaning up are important life skills, not gender roles." AND "Think about the power you have to influence the next generation."
What are your future aspirations?
I have a keen interest in health risks and would like to specialise in the field of Epidemiology.
In view of the ongoing national observance of 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, how can you encourage society to play an active role in fighting the scourge of GBV?
I feel deeply concerned and strongly opposed to violence against women and children. It's a violation of fundamental human rights and a major barrier to achieving gender quality. I am horrified that South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence and am committed to participating in and supporting interventions to eradicate and reduce violence against women and children. Everyone deserves to live in a safe and respectful environment, free from fear and abuse.
During these 16 Days of Activism, and always, I stand in solidarity with the survivors and advocate for the end of GBV. Together, we must raise awareness, support victims and work towards creating a world where respect and equality prevail, and violence is unequivocally unacceptable. Apart from women setting their own boundaries empowering themselves, men should support women to empower themselves, with utmost respect. Empowering women inside and outside of the house should be supported by men and men should be handing out compliments to women (at home and work) generously. Our little boys in turn should be raised to respect women, and hopefully the fight against GBV will be drastically reduced.