With the University of the Free State (UFS) April 2024 graduation season in full swing, Puleng Moruri, a pioneering academic, graduated today with a Master’s degree in Gender Studies, bearing a testament to a remarkable journey of perseverance and dedication, marked by her relentless pursuit of knowledge despite numerous challenges.

Hailing from the Eastern Cape and the youngest of seven siblings, Moruri’s academic journey began at Walter Sisulu University, where she earned her first degree in social sciences in 2015. Not discouraged by financial constraints and driven by the determination to succeed, she continued her education, obtaining an honours degree in 2017 and a Master’s in Population Studies in 2019. However, it was her passion for understanding gender dynamics that led her to pursue a second master’s in Gender Studies at the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies.

Reflecting on her graduation, Moruri acknowledges the hurdles she faced, including the transition to online learning and the complexities of delving into a new academic field. Despite these challenges, she found the experience both daunting and captivating, particularly relishing the opportunity to explore cultural and sexual studies.

For Moruri, obtaining a Master’s degree in Gender Studies represents more than just academic achievement: “It gives me the ability to advance not just gender equality and equal rights but also cultural acceptance, sexual emancipation, and better living conditions for the marginalised members of the society.” Armed with a deep understanding of the complexities of gender dynamics, she aims to bring about positive change in society, particularly for marginalised communities.

Her groundbreaking study, titled, Ulwaluko and Xhosa constructions of manhood: experiences of gay men in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, sheds light on the challenges faced by gay men in traditional Xhosa communities. Through rigorous research, Moruri uncovered the persistent social exclusion and violence experienced by gay men, highlighting the intersectionality of culture, religion, and sexuality.

"In the landscape of South African law, the tolerance of gay relationships and marriage may convey a facade of acceptance. Yet, reality diverges, especially for gay black men in Eastern Cape’s rural terrain, where cultural and religious norms clash with their identities. This study explores Ulwaluko’s efficacy in reshaping Xhosa gay men’s sexualities,” says Moruri.

Looking ahead, Moruri then set her sights on pursuing a PhD, with interests ranging from Gender Studies to Development Studies. Her dual mastery in complementary fields positions her as a formidable force for social change, poised to make significant contributions to academia and society at large. As she embarks on this next chapter of her academic journey, Moruri’s dedication to advocacy and scholarship serves as an inspiration to aspiring scholars everywhere.