MIL Africa Engine

South African women have been at the forefront of the country’s democratic journey, advancing gender equality and paving the way for the recognition of women’s rights in the Constitution.

From leading anti-apartheid resistance to participating in the historic 1956 Women’s March, women such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophie Williams-de Bruyn and Rahima Moosa demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience and unity in a society where women faced racial and gender discrimination and oppression. 

Other women, including Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Albertina Sisulu, also played pivotal roles in the broader struggle for freedom and equality. 

These gains include greater representation of women in Parliament, the judiciary, the public sector and the corporate sector, with women now occupying top leadership positions.

This year marks 70 years since more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 to protest against the extension of pass laws to women under apartheid.

“Government has made strides. It is not yet enough, but we are working towards that. For instance, in our country, women’s representation in Parliament has only recently been diluted, but we were at 50%.

“We regret that representation has declined, and we are challenging political parties to make sure that their representation in Parliament includes women and ensures equal representation,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said in an interview with SAnews.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange recently appointed Valdene Reddy as Group CEO, making her the first woman of colour to occupy the position. She succeeded Dr Leila Fourie, who became the first woman to lead the exchange when she was appointed in 2019. Government has also described Reddy as the first woman of colour to hold the JSE Group CEO position.

“We have women running banks in the country; women taking positions of leadership as CEOs of mining companies, and that is what freedom and the struggle of the women of the 1950s have brought us,” Ntshavheni said.

The year 2026 marks several significant milestones in South Africa’s democratic journey, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth uprisings, the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March and the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six.

These landmark events reflect the long struggle for democracy and freedom, which has contributed to, among other things, women’s economic empowerment initiatives, including employment equity measures, funding for entrepreneurship, education and equality laws. 

“Interestingly, employment equity and empowerment targets recognise women across races, because even women of other races, including white women, were oppressed simply by being women. As government, we have put measures in place to ensure that women can be supported across the range of economic empowerment,” Ntshavheni told SAnews. 

While gains have been made in employment equity, the Minister called on the private sector to address racial, gender and disability disparities.

The Commission for Employment Equity’s 26th Annual Report shows that the two upper decision-making occupational levels, namely top management and senior management, remain racialised and gendered, with white and Indian population groups, as well as males, dominating these levels. The report covers the 2025/26 reporting period.

The CEE said male representation remains dominant at the top management level, at more than two times female representation.

“We need to start seeing more women, and more Black women in particular, rising in significant numbers. We are seeing, at the lower levels, that Black people and women are coming through, but we want to see that progress also in the higher, senior, and middle strata of the private sector,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister encouraged women in leadership to actively seek mentorship and support young women in their advancement.

“We were also mentored by others, and it is our job to mentor others. We also call on other women in positions of power to contribute to mentoring young women. The first issue is that young women must prioritise their education. There are support mechanisms available to help ensure that we succeed in our educational endeavours.

“From there, nothing can stop you. It takes hard work, and there will be challenges, but hard work, determination, and calling out for support will get you there,” she said.

Portraits of Power

The Minister paid tribute to struggle stalwart Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke at the inaugural International Portraits of Power exhibition, held by the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) in partnership with The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and participating diplomatic missions.

The initiative celebrates extraordinary women whose courage, leadership and contributions have shaped nations and inspired generations through a carefully curated exhibition.

The initiative forms part of a series of legacy projects commemorating the 155th anniversary of Mannya-Maxeke’s birth.

“Charlotte Mannya Maxeke was a woman of remarkable strength and enduring influence, and a trailblazer in every sense. As the first Black woman to graduate with a university degree in Southern Africa, we tend to limit her to being the first Black woman to graduate in South Africa, but she was the first Black woman to graduate with a degree in Southern Africa after obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree on 20 June 1901, from Wilberforce University in the United States of America. Mannya-Maxeke led the path for women’s rights and gender equality,” the Minister said.

Ntshavheni pointed out that Mannya-Maxeke was the only woman present when the South African Native National Congress, later known as the African National Congress, was formed in 1912. Government sources similarly describe Maxeke as the only woman at the founding meeting of the SANNC.

“This is where the power of art becomes especially important. Art has a unique ability to preserve our history, to tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten, and to connect people across cultures and continents. Through exhibitions such as this, we are reminded that art is not only a reflection of society, but also a catalyst for change.

“It builds bridges where there are divides, fosters dialogue where there is silence, and inspires understanding where there is difference. In this way, Portraits of Power serves as both a cultural and diplomatic platform, one that strengthens international understanding while celebrating the shared values that unite us,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa has reiterated its opposition to attempts to single it out over migration-related challenges, calling instead for a comprehensive continent-wide conference to address the root causes of migration; examine migration; improve mobility across Africa and address the challenges associated with irregular migration. 

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said migration is a continental phenomenon that requires a collective, evidence-based response rather than discussions that focus solely on one country.

Briefing the media in Pretoria on Wednesday on the outcomes of the recent 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, Lamola said South Africa welcomed the Council’s decision not to place migration on the agenda of the AU mid-term review meeting.

Instead, South Africa continues to support the implementation of a 2015 AU decision calling for a continent-wide migration conference.

“Following a decision by the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Executive Council not to discuss migration at the upcoming AU mid-term review meeting, South Africa reaffirms its support for the long-standing decision of the AU to convene a continent-wide conference on migration,” Lamola said. 

The Minister said the proposal adopted during the 25th AU Assembly held in Johannesburg in 2015 remains the appropriate platform to examine migration, improve mobility across Africa and address the challenges associated with irregular migration.

“The 25th AU Assembly, which was held in Johannesburg in 2015, called for an African migration conference to consider approaches to accelerate mobility and development within the continent, while addressing the challenges posed by increased irregular migration and strengthening capacity to manage migration flows. South Africa supports the implementation of this decision,” he said. 

Isolation attempts

Responding to questions from journalists after the briefing, Lamola said South Africa would continue advocating for a comprehensive continental discussion on migration rather than allowing the issue to be framed as uniquely South African.

“We raised our view that any discussion on this matter must be comprehensive, dealing with the pull factors, the root causes of illegal migration… climate change, economic peace and stability, democracy in a comprehensive manner. There is no discussion that will be helpful that will just focus on South Africa, because we are not the only country facing a migration challenge.”

He said nearly 45% of Africans live outside their countries of origin, largely out of necessity rather than choice, making migration a shared continental issue.

“What we are disagreeing with is to isolate it and make it a South Africa phenomenon… If you just want to put it on an agenda and say xenophobia in South Africa, what will happen is that South Africa will be almost likely in some kind of court or inquiry where we must go there and defend ourselves. What will be the conclusion of such a meeting? It will be a zero-sum game.”

Instead, Lamola said the African Union should revive and implement the migration conference resolution adopted in Johannesburg in 2015.

“The African Union, in its wisdom, took a resolution in 2015 and said it calls for a comprehensive conference on migration. That is what the African Union should do. We don’t have a complex task; it’s already there. It’s just to dust it off from the shelves and put it on the table for implementation.”

He added that South Africa would continue cooperating with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which is expected to visit the country to engage on migration-related issues.

Holistic approach

Lamola said South Africa believes migration cannot be separated from broader developmental challenges confronting the continent.

He said discussions should encompass peace and security, economic development, climate change, democratic governance, and regional integration while also addressing the drivers of anti-migrant sentiment.

“It must consider migration’s relationship with peace and stability, economic development, regional integration and democratic governance.

“It must also provide space for Member States to discuss the root causes of anti-migrant sentiment and develop a collective continental approach to preventing violence, discrimination, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance,” the Minister said. 

He said the urgency of such a discussion is underscored by growing migration trends across Africa.

According to research cited by the Minister, nearly six in every 10 Africans between the ages of 18 and 25 have considered emigrating in search of better opportunities.

He noted that migration within Africa remains significant, with more than half of Africans living outside their home countries and choosing to settle elsewhere on the continent.

South Africa, Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire continue to receive the largest share of these intra-African migrants.

At the same time, Lamola said research points to increasing negative attitudes towards migrants across Africa and globally, driven in part by economic hardship.

 AU mandates

Lamola also updated member states on several continental responsibilities assigned to South Africa.

The country continues to serve as Chair of the Committee of Five (C5) on South Sudan and as Chair of the Ministerial Follow-Up Committee responsible for implementing Agenda 2063.

“We appraised the AU Member States on several tasks assigned to the Republic of South Africa by the Summit and its attendant structures.”

Lamola said South Africa’s leadership has focused on strengthening accountability, accelerating implementation and mobilising sustainable financing for the continent’s long-term development agenda.

“During our chairship, we have noted a growing continental commitment to strengthening accountability, accelerating implementation, and mobilizing sustainable financing for Africa’s transformation agenda, while acknowledging the challenges that remain,” he said. 

As part of this work, South Africa has recommended that the AU undertake a feasibility study into establishing an Agenda 2063 Development Fund.

“The proposed Fund must complement existing African financing institutions; avoid duplication of mandates; and establish clear governance and accountability structures.”

Support for South Sudan elections 

On South Sudan, Lamola urged the international community to support preparations for credible and inclusive elections under the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

“With regards to the upcoming elections in South Sudan, as chair of the C5, we encourage the international community to assist South Sudan to reach the important milestone of having an election which is inclusive and realistically meets the requirements of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

“Only a credible and inclusive election can bring long-lasting peace, security and prosperity for the people of South Sudan,” he said. 

Peace and security

Lamola welcomed the decision to convene an Extraordinary AU Summit on conflict prevention and resolution in Luanda, Angola, later this month.

He said the summit would provide an opportunity for African leaders to strengthen the principle of African solutions to African problems.

“South Africa welcomes the decision to convene an Extraordinary Summit of the African Union on the strengthening of mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution in Africa from 29 – 30 August in Luanda, Angola.

“This will allow the continent to give practical expression to the principle of African solutions for African problems,” he said. 

The Minister said the worsening conflict in Sudan remains one of the continent’s most pressing concerns.
“The conflict in Sudan has become more than just a humanitarian catastrophe – it is one of the biggest moral failures in our lifetime.

“South Africa will use this platform as a critical opportunity to mobilise the continent towards a structured intervention,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa is preparing to host the 46th Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of Heads of State and Government later this month, with regional leaders expected to adopt decisions aimed at accelerating industrialisation, strengthening infrastructure development, enhancing food security and advancing regional integration.

The summit, which will be held in Durban on 17 August, will also see President Cyril Ramaphosa formally assume the SADC Chairpersonship for the 2026/27 term, marking South Africa’s leadership of the 16-member regional bloc at a time of growing geopolitical and economic challenges.

Briefing the media in Pretoria on Wednesday, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said South Africa was honoured to host the summit under the theme: “Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World”.

The summit process officially began this week with technical meetings at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and will culminate in the Heads of State and Government Summit on 17 August.

According to Lamola, the summit follows a structured programme of technical, ministerial and political meetings designed to prepare decisions for adoption by Heads of State and Government.

The Standing Committee of Senior Officials will meet from 6 to 7 August to consider reports from sectoral structures before making recommendations to ministers.

This will be followed by the Finance Committee meeting on 8 August, where member states will consider the SADC budget, resource mobilisation and financial sustainability matters.

Between 9 and 11 August, officials will finalise documentation before the SADC Council of Ministers convenes from 12 to 14 August under Minister Lamola’s chairpersonship.

The Council of Ministers will consider recommendations from senior officials and deliberate on issues including industrialisation, infrastructure, regional trade, food security, health, peace and security, regional financing and institutional reforms.

The summit programme will also feature President Cyril Ramaphosa’s SADC Public Lecture on 14 August at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville Campus. The lecture is expected to stimulate dialogue on implementing SADC Vision 2050 and strengthening regional integration.

Regional peace and security will also feature prominently through meetings of the Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on 15 August, followed by the Organ Troika Summit on 16 August.

Heads of State and Government are expected to arrive on 16 August ahead of the official summit opening and a State Banquet hosted by President Ramaphosa.

Focus on implementation

Lamola said preparations are centred on ensuring SADC decisions are more effective, measurable and capable of implementation.

Among the issues under consideration is strengthening the quality of Council and Summit decisions through improved monitoring and accountability mechanisms.

Member States will also consider a proposed framework for SADC Presidential Champions, which will see Heads of State champion priority regional development programmes including infrastructure development, industrialisation, agriculture, mining, resource mobilisation and social development.

Another key priority is advancing implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, which remains SADC’s primary development blueprint.

Key outcomes expected

The Minister said Heads of State and Government are expected to consider 47 decisions submitted through the summit process, although that number could change following deliberations during preparatory meetings.

Among the expected outcomes are:
•    Accelerating regional industrialisation and regional value chains; 
•    Strengthening infrastructure connectivity and transport corridors; 
•    Enhancing agricultural productivity and food security; 
•    Advancing beneficiation of critical minerals; 
•    Improving regional peace, security and stability; 
•    Strengthening resource mobilisation through the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund; 
•    Enhancing implementation and monitoring of SADC decisions; and 
•    Strengthening institutional effectiveness through the Rationalisation Mechanism and Presidential Champions Initiative.

Lamola said the summit presents an opportunity for member states to strengthen regional cooperation and pursue inclusive economic growth.

Migration to feature prominently

Lamola said South Africa would use the platform to articulate its approach to migration management while promoting greater regional cooperation.

He said government remained committed to managing migration in a lawful, orderly, humane and effective manner in line with the Constitution and South Africa’s international obligations.

Government’s approach includes strengthening border security, combating irregular migration, addressing the unlawful employment of undocumented migrants, improving enforcement of immigration and labour legislation and tackling corruption within migration systems.

South Africa will also encourage greater regional cooperation in addressing migration challenges while promoting stability, development and respect for human rights. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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