Nelson Mandela University stands as a beacon of female leadership, with women at the forefront of its governance and executive leadership including Vice Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa, Chancellor Dr Fraser-Moleketi, and Chair of Council Ambassador Nozipho January-Bardill. The university sets a powerful example of women's empowerment. Their ascendancy to leadership positions in 2018, coinciding with the centenary year of Nelson Mandela's birth, symbolizes progress towards gender equality and reflects Mandela's ethos as a male feminist.
Mandela’s dedication to women's emancipation echoes through time, as evidenced by his historic proclamation at the opening of South Africa’s first democratic parliament in 1994. He envisioned freedom intertwined with the liberation of women, the emancipation of men, and the liberty of children. Today, Mandela’s university continues his namesake’s legacy by nurturing female leaders who drive innovation and social change.
The university's alumni network boasts exceptional women making waves in their respective fields in recent times. There are many other alumnae, past, present and prospective making a difference.
• Michelle Phillips, a law graduate, now serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Transnet, showcasing her leadership prowess in the corporate world.
• Zanele Mdodana, a former SA Netball captain and Sport Management graduate, has been appointed as the assistant coach of the national team by Netball SA, inspiring the next generation of athletes.
• Professor Noluxolo Gcaza, an Information Technology alumna, is a cybersecurity trailblazer, recognized among the Top 100 Cybersecurity Women to Watch in Africa for 2024, a testament to her expertise and influence.
• Rita Chen, a BCom Law graduate based in China, leads as the Founder and CEO of RTY HOLDINGS LIMITED, demonstrating global entrepreneurship and business acumen.
• Mpopi Khupe, a BCom graduate, co-founded Zevoli Growth Partners, focusing on empowering MSME’s in underserved communities, exemplifying impactful entrepreneurship.
• Khwezikazi Windvoel, a Construction Management alumna, leads municipal and project finance initiatives for the Presidential Climate Commission, driving sustainable development.
While celebrating these achievements, it’s crucial to acknowledge persistent gender disparities, particularly in STEM fields. Despite progress, women's representation in STEM remains disproportionate. However, initiatives aimed at bridging this gap are gaining momentum, encouraging more women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Moreover, South African women continue to lead in social activism and political representation, with significant strides in promoting gender equality. Approximately 40% of seats in the National Assembly are occupied by women, showcasing their pivotal role in shaping policies and driving societal change.
As we reflect on International Women’s Month, let us applaud women as well as our alumnae worldwide for their invaluable contributions. Their dedication, resilience, and achievements inspire us to continue advocating for gender equality and investing in women's leadership and empowerment, not just in March but every day of the year. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.