Women called to reclaim leadership power

College of Economic & Management Sciences

Women called to reclaim leadership power at Unisa’s Women in Leadership Seminar

Unisa's College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS), in partnership with Businesswomen's Association of South Africa (BWASA), recently held a two-day Women in Leadership Seminar at the university’s Muckleneuk Campus.

Themed The power of resilient, authentic and inclusive women leadership, the seminar underscored African feminist approaches to leadership while also affirming the transformative power of women leaders.

Honouring victims of GBVF

In his opening remarks, Prof Maelekanyo Mulaudzi, Deputy Executive Dean of CEMS, set a sombre yet urgent tone. He led the audience in a moment of silence to honour 10 women and a young girl brutally murdered in August, a month dedicated to celebrating women’s contributions.

Women called to reclaim leadership power at Unisa’s Women in Leadership Seminar

Mulaudzi detailed the circumstances of each case, highlighting the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). "We need very strong leadership across all sectors if we are to combat this scourge," he said. "Women have a role to play to combat these social, political and economic ills."

Mulaudzi went on to situate women’s leadership in historical and cultural contexts, noting that African societies once placed women at the centre of governance, knowledge and economic life. He argued that colonialism and patriarchy disrupted this balance. "Women can and must reclaim their pre-colonial power and lead society in all aspects of life. If women were to lead our countries and institutions, most of the world’s problems would be resolved," said Mulaudzi.

Drawing on studies by African and global scholars, he challenged participants to reflect on leadership styles that undermine progress – from patronage to authoritarianism – and instead embrace resilience, authenticity and inclusivity rooted in indigenous knowledge and values.

Authentic leadership affirms humanity

The day’s highlight was a keynote address by Prof Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector of South Africa. She emphasised that leadership is not about titles or positions, but about moral courage, accountability and advancing justice.

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Madonsela: Authentic leadership affirms humanity

"Every decision we make as leaders must tilt the scale towards justice, fairness and inclusion. Authentic leadership is about showing up as your true self while opening doors for others," said Madonsela.

She further called on women to confront systemic barriers while nurturing resilience. "Resilience is not about enduring hardship in silence; it is about rising stronger, wiser, and more determined to serve."

Her address received a standing ovation as participants resonated with her call to embody integrity and compassion in leadership across various sectors.

Dialogue and knowledge exchange

The opening day also featured robust panel discussions with academics and business leaders, tackling themes such as Intersectionality in African leadership, Breaking the glass ceiling, and Navigating male-dominated industries.

Day two of the seminar shifted focus to emerging scholarship with a Student Research Colloquium featuring postgraduate research on women in leadership and gender studies. Prof Gayle Letherby of Plymouth University in the United Kingdom, was a guest speaker, guiding intergenerational dialogue and mentorship.

A shared legacy

This landmark seminar reflects Unisa’s transformation agenda and BWASA’s 45-year legacy of empowering women leaders. Together, the two institutions are creating a platform for thought leadership, mentorship and change at a time when women’s leadership is urgently needed in South Africa and beyond.

* By Talana Lebelo and Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing, College of Economic and Management Sciences

Publish date: 2025-09-22 00:00:00.0