Advocate Madonsela delivered a Public Lecture under the theme “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo", as part of the University of Mpumalanga's (UMP) Asixoxeni–Asicocisane Roundtable Discussion Series, a platform that brings together academics, policymakers, community leaders and thought leaders to stimulate meaningful dialogue.
She reflected on the history of women’s resistance in South Africa and the broader connection between women’s freedom and human freedom, arguing that no individual or group can experience true freedom while others continue to face injustice, inequality and deprivation.
“Women who participated in the march were from different racial, political, religious and socio-economic backgrounds united in resistance against discriminatory legislation."
Advocate Madonsela reminded delegates to distinguish between being in a position of power and actually having power. Representation matters, but what matters even more is whether women can influence decisions and change the institutions in which they serve.
Professor Meyiwa mentioned that universities have an important responsibility in advancing conversations.
Decolonisation of Teaching and Learning
Speaking on the persistent challenges facing women, including Gender-based violence, unequal access to land and structural poverty, Advocate Madonsela noted that social grants provide an important safety net for many households but welfare support alone cannot address the underlying structural inequalities that continue to affect women.
While acknowledging the progress made in women’s representation in public institutions, she cautioned that representation should not be confused with meaningful power.
“The presence of women in positions of authority does not automatically mean that women have the influence required to transform systems and decision-making processes.
She called on institutions, particularly universities, to decolonise knowledge and dismantle stereotypes to move women beyond being tea makers to becoming consequential leaders.
For Advocate Madonsela, consequential leadership means more than occupying prestigious positions. It requires leaders who are willing and able to transform institutions and address the systemic challenges that prevent society from reaching its full potential.
She proposed a long-term roadmap for accelerating progress, anchored around three key milestones: 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals; 2056, marking the centenary of the 1956 Women’s March; and 2063, aligned with the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the broader Pan-African vision.
“These milestones should serve as opportunities to measure progress and ensure that commitments to equality translate into tangible change,” she added.
"Creating a genuinely equal society requires more than removing formal barriers. It requires institutions and the state to actively address the conditions that prevent people from reaching their potential. The state has a constitutional responsibility to actively promote equality,” she said.
Advocate Madonsela highlighted persistent challenges facing women, including Gender-based violence.
Transformative Dialogue
The Lecture provided an opportunity for students, academics, staff and stakeholders to engage with the historical and contemporary realities of women’s leadership and resistance, while reflecting on the role each sector has to play in advancing gender equality.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, emphasised that universities have an important responsibility in advancing conversations that challenge stereotypes and contribute to meaningful social transformation.
“It is through dialogue, knowledge and education that we can challenge the structures that continue to reproduce inequality. As a university, we must ensure that our scholarship and our institutional practices contribute to building a society where women can lead, participate and thrive,” she said.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright ©️ UMP.