WomeninPolitics | Womanity

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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November 13, 2026

Professor Namhla Matshanda – Department of Political Science – University of Pretoria – Your voice and vote matter

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, politi...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Parliamentarian Ms Sanny Ndhlovu, Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament, Chairperson of the Select Committee on Finance, representing the African National Congress. Ms Ndhlovu shares insights from her extensive career in governance, financial oversight, and political leadership. Key Themes Discussed: • Journey into Politics: Ms Ndhlovu reflects on her personal and professional journey, from joining the ANC at just 17 years old to becoming a leader in financial oversight. Her career trajectory focussed on treasury roles spanning local, regional and national portfolios. She highlights the importance of perseverance and mentorship in navigating the political landscape. She maintains standing firm to your beliefs and being patient in pursuit of your ambitions. • Women in Leadership: Addressing the challenges women face in politics, especially when undermined by men. She discusses overcoming gender bias, the need for self-belief, and the importance of policy knowledge in strengthening women's roles in governance. Additionally, women need to support other women in office. • Fighting Corruption and Ensuring Accountability: Ms Ndhlovu emphasizes her commitment to financial transparency, detailing her role in uncovering corruption during her time in local government and the necessity of upholding ethical governance in her current work in Parliament. • Economic Empowerment and Gender Inclusion: She highlights key legislative efforts to support women’s financial inclusion, such as the Public Procurement Act, which prioritizes opportunities for women, youth, and people with disabilities. • Future Policy Priorities: She shares her vision for policies that further empower women, advocating for increased financial literacy, economic participation, and continued transformation in governance structures. • Stockvels and Community-Based Financial Literacy: Ms Ndhlovu passionately discusses the role of stockvels in fostering financial independence for women, emphasizing the importance of grassroots financial management and cooperative savings initiatives that show how money creates value, such as using it as capital to create a business. She demonstrates how these skills benefit individuals, families and communities and build trust in financial management and networks. • Advice for Young Women in Politics and Finance: Encouraging young women to pursue leadership roles, she underscores the value of education, self-belief, listening, focus, patience, respect, and strategic financial management as tools for success. In closing Ms Ndhlovu leaves listeners with a powerful message, that women must believe in themselves, understand financial management, and remain committed to ethical leadership. She stresses that mentorship, community engagement, and continuous learning are key to advancing gender equality in politics, finance and life. Tune in for more.

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February 20, 2025

Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament, Chairperson of the Select Committee on Finance – MP: Ms Sanny Ndhlovu – Patience

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Parliamentarian Ms Sanny Ndhlovu, Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament, Chairperson of the Select C...

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Professor Namhla Matshanda – Department of Political Science – University of Pretoria – Your voice and vote matter

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Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament, Chairperson of the Select Committee on Finance – MP: Ms Sanny Ndhlovu – Patience

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Tag: WomeninPolitics

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Professor Namhla Matshanda – Department of Political Science – University of Pretoria – Your voice and vote matter

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Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament, Chairperson of the Select Committee on Finance – MP: Ms Sanny Ndhlovu – Patience

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