The Resilience of Black Female Leadership:Oh President my President

In the corridors of power, black female leaders face unique challenges, as seen in

the suspension of Dr. Sibongile Vilakazi earlier on this year, the second female president of the Black Management Forum (BMF). This piece highlights the systemic issues faced by black women in leadership roles and calls upon women's organisations to stand in solidarity with Dr. Vilakazi.

Intersectionality and Leadership

The concept of intersectionality, is crucial in understanding the experiences of black women in leadership. It emphasises the compounded discrimination faced at the intersection of race, gender and other conscious or “unconscious” biases both overt and subtle. Dr. Vilakazi's suspension over allegations from years past brings to the forefront the concept of intersectionality, as articulated by Prof. Ashleigh Shelby Rosette. Her research stresses the need to acknowledge the distinct experiences of women at the intersection of race and gender in professional settings. Dr. Vilakazi's case is a stark reminder of the systemic discrimination black women often endure, challenging the perception of corporate spaces as meritocratic. The resignation of Claudine Gay from Harvard earlier this year further highlights the global scope of these challenges, illustrating the systemic biases that can erode the authority of black women leaders.

Corporate Governance

Dr. Vilakazi's suspension has brought to light concerns over corporate governance within the BMF. Allegations of improper board member appointments and financial incentives highlight the need for transparency and adherence to good governance practices. This prompts reflection on why women who confront established norms and structures often face opposition, silencing, and lack of protection from their governing boards. It also raises concerns about the premature removal of opportunities for these women, often before any formal legal proceedings. One must consider who benefits from such actions.

Democracy and Gender Equality

The BMF as a historical organisation prides itself on being reflective of the demographics and values of the broader South African society:

“The foundation of the BMF can be traced back to 1976 when a group of black individuals came together as a support group to address the challenges of corporate structures in South Africa.This later developed into a focus on socio-economic transformation as an imperative aspect of the BMF, which could be achieved through the empowerment of previously disadvantaged demographic groups. The aim has always been to overcome a lack of growth for these demographics through the pursuit of socio-economic justice, fairness and equity.These principles are why the BMF was instrumental in the conceptualisation of the affirmative action blueprint, Employment Equity Act and Black Economic Empowerment legislation.”

While these principles align with the vision of the BMF's founders, the reality since 2020, and possibly earlier, tells a different story. With only one female president in its history, Mam Nolitha Fakude, and another currently on the suspension bench, the organization's commitment to gender representation is questionable. The lack of transparency regarding the number of female members within student chapters and the organization as a whole may also be a cause for concern and Dr. Vilakazi's suspension is a disservice to these members, especially the young women who look to the BMF for leadership and representation.

Three decades of democracy in South Africa have not eradicated the challenges faced by women in leadership. The suspension of Dr. Vilakazi is an insult to our democracy and a setback in the progress towards gender equality. It is not yet Uhuru for our women!

It is often said that when we do not speak out or speak up we ourselves have become the problem. We are shielding injustice in the name of due processes. I therefore call upon women’s organisations and movements to rise up and not turn a blind eye to the realities of our society. This that is happening is every woman’s challenge because what happens to someone today might happen to you tomorrow. The time is now for us to truly mobilise and support each other because 100 years to an equitable society is quickly looking like 400 years and this is unacceptable.

Malibongwe Igama Lamakhosikazi!