This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Namhla Matshanda, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria. Specialising in African politics, political history and international relations, her research explores colonial legacies, state formation, identity and migration, with a particular focus on the Horn of Africa.

From a Childhood Curiosity to Understanding African Politics

Professor Matshanda‘s fascination with politics began at home, where following the news and reading newspapers were part of everyday family life. What started as curiosity about events unfolding around the world developed into a passion for history, politics and international relations. Her academic journey took her from studying politics and history to international relations at Wits University, and eventually to a PhD in African Studies at the University of Edinburgh. An internship researching territorial borders in East Africa sparked her interest in Ethiopia and the complex political dynamics of the Horn of Africa.

Colonial Legacies and the Politics of Borders

The conversation explores how colonial histories continue to shape African states, national identities and territorial disputes. Drawing on her research into Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, Professor Matshanda unpacks the region’s distinctive political history and the complicated legacy of colonialism, sovereignty and contested borders. She reflects on why understanding the past is essential to interpreting contemporary political realities, warning that societies risk repeating history when they fail to learn its lessons.

Local Government: Where Democracy Meets Everyday Life

Turning to South Africa, the discussion examines the importance of local government elections and why municipalities arguably have the most immediate impact on citizens’ daily lives. From water and electricity to sanitation, housing and public services, local government is where people experience democracy in practical terms. Professor Matshanda highlights the need for greater civic and political education, encouraging citizens to recognise the power of their votes and participate more actively in local democratic processes.

The discussion also considers the changing political landscape and the growing significance of coalition politics. With no single party securing an outright majority in many municipalities, political parties must learn to collaborate, put aside the pursuit of dominance and focus on the mandate voters have given them: change and good governance.

Women, Political Power and Gender-Responsive Governance

Applying a gender lens to political representation, we explore the barriers that discourage women from entering active politics. Professor Matshanda acknowledges that political spaces can be particularly challenging and even dangerous, with political violence presenting a significant deterrent to women seeking public office. She believes that successful women in political leadership can serve as important role models, demonstrating alternative approaches and encouraging others to participate.

The conversation goes beyond representation to examine whether women’s lived experiences are adequately reflected in public policy. Women often carry a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work and are particularly affected by shortcomings in essential municipal services. Professor Matshanda argues that women’s voices must be heard in policymaking, including decisions about health, education, the environment, municipal planning and service delivery. Without meaningful female participation, policies risk overlooking the very people they should serve.

The Gender Politics of Academia

Professor Matshanda also offers a candid perspective on navigating political science as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated academic environment. She explains that gender bias is not always experienced as direct personal discrimination; it is often embedded in institutional structures designed around male career trajectories.

One particularly revealing example is the impact of maternity leave and family responsibilities on women’s academic advancement. Professor Matshanda shares how taking approximately two years of maternity leave affected her research, publishing and career progression, highlighting how women can effectively be penalised for fulfilling responsibilities that their male counterparts may not experience in the same way.

She calls for women to challenge entrenched systems rather than simply accept that things have always been done a certain way. Change, she suggests, can begin within individual departments and faculties by making women’s concerns, perspectives and voices a priority.

Her Advice to Women and Young Girls

Closing the conversation with an empowering message, Professor Matshanda encourages women to work smart rather than simply work hard. Recognising that women often juggle multiple responsibilities across different spheres of life, she advocates prioritising what matters, being intentional about how time and energy are invested, and resisting the pressure to be everything to everyone.

Tune in for more….

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