One of these women was none other than Advocate Thuli Madonsela, who conducted a live three-hour breakfast radio broadcast while fielding questions from listeners and loyal supporters. The epitome of intellect and grace, Madonsela’s radio presentation skills were flawless as she tackled issues of social equity, justice and women’s rights across the African continent.
Known for her bravery and fierceness as the country’s Public Protector since being appointed by President Jacob Zuma in 2009, Madonsela’s non-renewable term is currently nearing its end next year when a successor will be chosen by the National Assembly from nominations made by the public.
Even though she has less than a year left in office, this hasn’t deterred her from still giving full focus to the tasks at hand such as investigating alleged maladministration by government parastatals such as Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, irregularities in the proposed nuclear power plant deal, and of course, conclude her findings into the security upgrades made at Zuma’s Nkandla homestead.
When asked by a caller if she planned to turn to politics after her term as Public Protector, Madonsela responded, “I will be taking a sabbatical which will allow me to write about administrative law first.” She also hinted that there may also be an autobiography in the future.
For someone whose life started humbly during the apartheid era, she worked tirelessly to become a business role model for women across the African continent. Madonsela is also a mother of two daughters, which makes one wonder how she juggles work and personal responsibilities, and yet has had so much success.
“I start my day by getting up at 3am when I do reports,” she said at a press conference after the show. “I usually take a walk by 5.30am before I get ready to be at the office by 8am.”
She was also asked which values were most important for her to instil in not only her daughters, but also the countless young women who look up to her.
“Our young women in this country need to remember that they stand on the shoulders of giants,” said Madonsela. “The struggles they face today are not the same as those faced by the likes of Charlotte Maxeke, Helen Suzman, Helen Joseph and Rahima Moosa. What they had to contend with, especially regarding the oppression of black women, they still pushed through and achieved so much.
“So, young women today have a better foundation to do wonders. If they focus on what they can do, as opposed to the obstacles they are facing, they can do so much more for themselves and for our country.”
Details: www.powerfm.co.za
