Every strong girl looks up to other outstanding women to keep her inspired. As we celebrate South Africa women’s month, the ONE Campaign in Africa celebrates these amazing women who have made their mark in entertainment, business, serving humanity, politics, and governance throughout the history of the country.
In Human Rights: Graça Machel
“Therefore my challenge to each of you … is that you ask yourself what you can do to make a difference. And then take that action, no matter how large or how small. For our children have a right to peace”
An activist and human rights defender of note, Graça Machel was an Education and Culture Minister of the Government of Mozambique. In 1995, she received the Nansen Medal from the United Nations in recognition of her longstanding humanitarian work, particularly on behalf of refugee children. She is an international advocate for women and children’s rights, and in 1997 was made a British dame for her humanitarian work. She is also the founder of the Graça Machel foundation, which seeks to address the challenges women and children face.
In Business: Pam Golding
“We have a saying in our family: ‘Press on regardless’. And, we did.”
Pam Golding is the epitome of the fact that women have the power to succeed in whatever they put their minds to. In 1976, Pam Golding started what is today a multi-million rand real estate business, Pam Golding Property Group. This group comprises Pam Golding International Holdings, Pam Golding Properties, Pam Golding Ltd (London), Pam Golding Franchise Services, Golding Commercial, Golding Hotel Investment Consultants, and Golding Property Holdings. It operates in over five African countries, and has over 300 branches and 186 franchises. Pam has won numerous awards, including being featured by Forbes as one of Africa’s Richest Women for 2012.
In Politics: Lindiwe Mazibuko
“If we truly cherish the bravery of the fallen, we must ensure freedom is delivered in measurable ways for the youth of today”
Lindiwe Mazibuko will be remembered as one of the youngest and most determined female politicians in the history of South Africa. By the age of 33, she was a Parliamentary Leader for the Democratic Alliance (MP for North Durban) and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly in South Africa. Mazibuko was named South Africa’s Most Influential Woman in 2012 and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2013.
In Governance: Thuli Madonsela
“As an African woman, I’ve learnt the importance of self-definition and living purposefully. It’s vital that every girl determines, as early as possible, who she is and what her contribution to humanity will be.”
Thulisile Madonsela is South Africa’s Public Protector. She is also a Human Rights Lawyer and Equality Expert. Madonsela is one of the 11 technical experts who helped the Constitutional Assembly draft the final constitution in 1994 and 1995. Madonsela likens her role as Public Protector to the Venda chief’s paternal aunt known as the makhadzi, a non-political figure who gives the people a voice while giving the traditional leader a conscience. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in the Leaders category and Transparency International also gave her Integrity Award in 2014.
In Entertainment: Miriam Makeba
“Everybody now admits that apartheid was wrong, and all I did was tell the people who wanted to know where I come from how we lived in South Africa. I just told the world the truth. And if my truth then becomes political, I can’t do anything about that.”
Zenzile Miriam Makeba is a Grammy Award-winning South African singer and civil rights activist. In the 1960s, she was the first artist from Africa to popularize African music around the world. She recorded and toured with many popular artists, such as Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, and Hugh Masekela. Makeba campaigned against the South African system of apartheid. The South African government responded by revoking her passport in 1960 and her citizenship and right of return in 1963. As the apartheid system crumbled, she returned home for the first time in 1990. Makeba died of a heart attack on 9 November 2008.
