Women Leading South Africa’s Communities

In a traditionally male-dominated realm, women who rise to leadership in South Africa's traditional communities are often viewed as placeholders.?

However, a few remarkable women have shattered this stereotype, fully embracing their roles as leaders and leaving an indelible mark on their communities. This Women’s Month, we honour their remarkable contributions to society.

The notion that leadership in traditional communities is a male prerogative is slowly fading, thanks to the courageous women who have taken on these roles with dedication and vision.

These women are not just filling a gap; they lead with purpose, challenge the status quo, and create legacies that future generations will look up to. This special feature highlights two such trailblazers: Inkhosi Khulile Nomvula Mkhatshwa Dlamadoda of the Mawewe Traditional Community and Kgosi Kgalalelo Bridgette Sedumedi Thakadu of the Batlokwa Ba Ga Sedumedi Royal House.

Travel to the eastern part of Mpumalanga province, along the Komati River near Malelane, and you will find the Mawewe Traditional Community, led by Inkhosi Khulile Nomvula Mkhatshwa Dlamadoda!

Since 2016, she has served as a member of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, and today, she continues to lead with a focus on economic growth and community development.

Inkhosi Mkhatshwa is particularly passionate about combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). In 2018, she launched the White Door Centre for Hope, which provides victims of abuse with psychosocial support and a safe space to rebuild their lives. Her work in this area is a beacon of hope in a country where GBVF has been declared a pandemic.

Further north, in the Bojanala district of the North West Province, Kgosi Kgalalelo Bridgette Sedumedi Thakadu leads the Batlokwa Ba Ga Sedumedi Royal House. As a member of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, she chairs the Gender, Children, People with Disability, and LGBTQI+ Committee.

Her leadership extends beyond traditional governance; Kgosi Sedumedi is deeply involved in community development, from overseeing a community care centre that provides a safe haven for GBV survivors to promoting literacy among children.

Her initiatives reflect a commitment to sustainable development and the empowerment of her people.

In a society still grappling with patriarchal norms, it is inspiring to see women like Inkhosi Mkhatshwa and Kgosi Sedumedi not only stepping into leadership roles but excelling in them. Supported by their peers in the National and Provincial Houses, these women are redefining what it means to lead.

As they continue to guide their communities through modern challenges, they are writing a new chapter in the history of traditional leadership in South Africa. This Women’s Month, we celebrate their strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Happy Women’s Month!