Democracy 30 Years On – Women’s Representation in South African Politics

Welcome from Our Founder and CEO, Lindiwe Mazibuko

Dear Friends,

Welcome to our October 2024 newsletter. This month marks a momentous period for Futurelect as we reflect on our community's triumphs and the milestones shaping our path ahead.

Our Southern Africa Public Leadership Programme held its 2024/25 assessment day, during which the finest aspiring leaders from across the region showcased their potential to take on the mantle of public service. We also proudly recognise the appointments of Kholofelo Morodi to the government of the City of Tshwane and James de Villiers to the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure in South Africa —both remarkable leaders embodying Futurelect’s vision.

We further celebrate Cynthia Mwangi, who will preside as master of ceremonies at the International Political Campaigns Expo 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, and Lemogang Nkomo for her esteemed "Leaders of Leaders" award. Additionally, Futurelect's impact on civic innovation has been recognised, with our organisation shortlisted for the prestigious CIO100 Africa Awards 2024. I am particularly humbled by the Woman of the Year nomination, an accolade that belongs to every member of this extraordinary organisation.

We continue to build a legacy of excellence, fortitude, and transformative political and civic leadership.

Onward, as we shape the democratic future of Africa.

Warmly,

Lindiwe Mazibuko

Founder and CEO, Futurelect

Democracy 30 Years On – Women’s Representation in South African Politics

Article: Jack Brodsky , Writer, Futurelect

2024 represents a symbolic year for South Africa, marking three decades since the advent of democracy and universal suffrage in the rainbow nation. So, as the year draws to a close, let’s take a look at how much progress has been made in terms of achieving fair and equal gender representation in South Africa’s political leadership over the past thirty years.

Like many countries in the SADC region, South Africa’s progress towards gender equality in political decision-making has not been straightforward. Promisingly, South Africa has signed or ratified agreements including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the SADC Declaration on Gender, and the Maputo Protocol. In addition, the number of seats held by women in parliament has increased by nearly 10% from 33% in 2004 to 42.8% in 2024. Further growth can be seen in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), where women’s representation has increased from 41% to 44% over the same 20-year period.

However, outdated patriarchal norms and structures remain a feature of South Africa’s democracy, hindering women’s involvement in political life. In the 2024 general elections, Patricia de Lille’s GOOD Party was the only woman-led party on a ballot dominated by men. Furthermore, taking a more recent view, women’s representation in the National Assembly dropped from 46% to 42.8% between 2019 and 2024. This decline is part of a troubling global trend for women’s political participation, indicating the fight to level the playing field and achieve equitable representation remains far from won. According to the Carnegie Endowment for Peace, 19 out of 29 parliamentary elections in the first half of 2024 witnessed a decline in women’s parliamentary representation compared to their December 2023 levels.

Aside from the fact that a thriving, healthy democracy requires the full and equal participation of both sexes, countless studies have demonstrated the benefits that women’s leadership brings to modern societies. As highlighted by the Council on Foreign Relations, a 2023 study by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security revealed that ‘women’s representation is strongly correlated with the health of a democracy, as measured by the indicators of free elections, free association and checks on government power’. Another study found that in sub-Saharan Africa, ‘increased female representation in the legislature is robustly associated with reduced infant and child mortality as well as greater spending on health’. A recent essay co-authored by our Founder and CEO, Lindiwe Mazibuko, touches on how we can build stronger, more representative democracies and is well worth a look! Further information and a link to the essay are available at the end of this newsletter.  

Moving forward, Futurelect will continue to work towards empowering women to take on important roles in political leadership across the African continent. In 2025, we will run four nonpartisan, interdisciplinary programmes for diverse groups of ethical and innovative young women in Southern and East Africa. We cannot wait to update you on our progress—watch this space!

Kholofelo Morodi: Futurelect Alumni part of new era for the City of Tshwane, South Africa

We are thrilled to announce that Kholofelo Morodi , a proud Futurelect alumni, was sworn in on 13 October 2024 as the MMC for Corporate and Shared Services for the City of Tshwane in South Africa. This appointment to the multiparty mayoral committee under Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya highlights Kholofelo’s dedication to public service and civic leadership. We are incredibly proud of Kholofelo’s achievements and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will bring to the city's administration!

James de Villiers Appointed as Ministerial Spokesperson for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in South Africa

James de Villiers , 2022 Futurelect alumni, was recently appointed Ministerial Spokesperson for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in Cape Town, South Africa. With this prestigious role, James steps into a position of great influence, shaping the future of South Africa and building a stronger nation. This appointment reflects the visionary leadership and dedication to service that James has long demonstrated.

Nompumelelo Edward Appointed Chairperson of City of Johannesburg Section 79 Finance Committee

Nompumelelo Edward, a 2024 Inaugural WIPO cohort member, was recently appointed Chairperson of the City of Johannesburg Section 79 Finance Committee. As a dedicated Action SA PR Councillor, Nompumelelo brings her strategic vision and commitment to women's rights to this influential role. We celebrate her achievement and look forward to her impactful contributions to the city’s financial governance.

Lemogang Nkomo Honoured with "Leaders of Leaders" Award at IEDP Graduation Ceremony

2024 Futurelect Women in Public Office, South Africa alumni Lemogang Nkomo received the "Leaders of Leaders" award at a recent NQF9 IEDP Leadership for Women in Transport graduation ceremony. This award recognises the exceptional leadership qualities and skills displayed throughout the programme, as voted on by fellow peer leaders. Lemogang was also honoured alongside the Best Student and Best Syndicate Group awardees, reflecting their embodiment of the spirit and values of the International Executive Development Programme. Congratulations, Lemogang, on this significant achievement!

Futurelect Proudly Celebrates Cynthia Mwangi as MC for the International Political Campaigns Expo 2025

Futurelect proudly announces that Cynthia Mwangi, MPRSK , from our inaugural 2024 Futurelect East Africa Public Leadership Programme cohort, will serve as the MC for the International Political Campaigns Expo 2025 (IPE25) in Cape Town, South Africa, on 23-24 January 2025. With over 15 years of experience in broadcast and digital media, Cynthia is a communication specialist and journalist who has led corporate communications and creative content across platforms. At IPE25, she will spearhead discussions on "The Art of Communication in Political Campaigns," highlighting the role of strategic messaging in campaign success.

Southern African Public Leadership Programme Assessment Day on 5 October 2024 in Gauteng, South Africa

The 2024/5 Southern Africa Public Leadership Programme hosted its assessment day on Saturday, 5 October 2024, at Workshop 17 in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. Aspiring public leaders from Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia, gathered to showcase their potential and demonstrate their leadership capabilities. Candidates engaged in rigorous group activities and discussions that unpacked various public leadership challenges, including policy, governance, and representation.

Deliberations were held on Sunday, 6 October 2024, with all assessors who evaluated our candidates on the assessment day on Saturday, 5 October 2024. Assessors were invited back to Workshop 17 in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, to discuss their feedback and determine our final cohort. After 5 hours, the group had decided on 21 successful candidates.

On Friday, 18 October 2024, 21 candidates received formal invitations to join the 2024/5 Southern Africa Public Leadership Programme cohort. The new cohort represents diverse aspiring political leaders across Southern Africa. They are poised to embark on a transformative journey with Futurelect to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to address pressing challenges in their communities and beyond.

Futurelect would like to thank our assessors, who volunteered their time to connect with candidates, engage with them, and deliberate on our final 2024/5 cohort.

Assessors included Futurelect team members: Founder and CEO Lindiwe Mazibuko , Regional Head of Programmes, Southern Africa Wellington Radu , Regional Director: East Africa Natasha Kimani , Southern Africa Programmes Officer Gcotyelwa Jimlongo , Chief of Staff Thozama Njobe , Special Projects and Alumni Officer Michlene Mongae , East Africa Programmes Officer Maseke Mirriam Rioba - MPRSK , Fundraising Officer Sifiso Ndlovu and Southern Africa Programmes Assistant Aphile-amanzima Mazibuko .

Among assessors, Futurelect Alumni included Leston Motsepe , Sentle Nell , Bheki Mkhatshwa , Malebo Kobe and Irfaan Mangera . Special guest assessors included Samkelo Mgobozi and pastoral lead Melissa Nefdt .

Futurelect Shortlisted for CIO100 Africa Awards 2024, Recognising Leadership in Civic Innovation Across the Continent

Futurelect has been shortlisted for the prestigious CIO100 Africa Awards 2024, recognising the organisation's remarkable innovation and impact in the industry. This nomination places Futurelect among the top 150 organisations chosen from over 721 applications across 19 African countries. The CIO100 Awards celebrate transformative technology leadership, and being shortlisted is a significant achievement highlighting Futurelect's leadership in driving civic innovation in Africa.

Futurelect Presentation at the TVET Boland College SRC 2025 Leadership and Training Workshop – Saturday, 19 October 2024, Stellenbosch, South Africa

At Boland College’s annual Student Representative Council (SRC) Leadership and Training Workshop on Saturday, 19 October 2024, in Stellenbosch, South Africa, Futurelect’s Head of Digital, Media, and Product, Shaunei Gerber , and Community Relations Manager, Aaron Henry Lynch , led a dynamic and thought-provoking session during the Responsible Citizenship segment. Their presentation focused on the crucial role of youth engagement in democratic processes, underscoring the importance of the youth vote and demonstrating the benefits of the Futurelect Learning App. They also shared actionable strategies for integrating the app within educational settings to inspire civic discussions and encourage public participation among students. The presentation was exceptionally well received, sparking enthusiastic discussions on the power of youth involvement in shaping their communities and futures.

As a member of South Africa’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, Boland College provides vocational, occupational, and skills-based training, equipping students with practical experience and qualifications akin to a high school diploma or associate degree. The college's commitment to building civic-minded leadership aligns seamlessly with Futurelect’s mission to empower youth as active and responsible citizens.

Futurelect Presentation at the Western Cape Provincial RCL Forum - Saturday, 26 October 2024

On Saturday, 26 October 2024, the Futurelect team joined the IEC (Electoral Commission of South Africa) in presenting at the Western Cape Provincial Representative Councils of Learners (RCL) Forum, hosted at Milnerton High School in Cape Town, South Africa. This annual forum unites RCL delegates from each of the eight education districts across the Western Cape under the Western Cape Education Department’s Framework for RCL Forums. The RCL serves as a vital platform, empowering students with a structured voice in school governance, allowing them to engage meaningfully in decisions that shape their educational experience and school environment.

Futurelect’s Head of Digital, Media, and Product, Shaunei Gerber, and Community Relations Manager, Aaron Lynch, delivered a compelling presentation on the critical role of youth engagement in democratic processes. They emphasised the significance of the youth vote, demonstrated the benefits of the Futurelect Learning App, and shared practical approaches for integrating the Futurelect learning app into schools to stimulate civic discussions and public participation among students. The presentation was well received, resonating strongly with attendees and inspiring enthusiastic dialogue on the importance of youth involvement in shaping their futures.

Civic Education Episode Spotlight: A Brief Introduction to South Africa’s PR System

South Africa’s electoral landscape reflects the nation's effort to create an inclusive and representative political system. The closed-list proportional representation (PR) system was chosen to ensure that every vote counts and no voice goes unheard. This lesson provides a brief overview of this system and its historical context.

Futurelect’s Founder and CEO, Lindiwe Mazibuko, Shortlisted for Woman of the Year at the CIO100 Africa Awards 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Futurelect’s Founder and CEO, Lindiwe Mazibuko, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Woman of the Year award at the CIO100 Africa Awards. This nomination recognises her outstanding leadership and commitment to accelerating African civic innovation. The CIO100 Africa Awards celebrate transformative technology leadership, and Lindiwe's nomination is a testament to her vision and Futurelect's impact on building civic education and engagement. This honour places her among the top women leaders shaping the future of technology and governance across the continent.

Lindiwe Mazibuko Inspires Change at the From Margins to Majorities: Women’s Rise to Political Power Webinar

The From Margins to Majorities: Women’s Rise to Political Power webinar, held on 9 October 2024, addressed the slow progress toward gender equality, with projections showing it may not be achieved until the 22nd century. Women remain vastly underrepresented, holding just 14% of heads of state roles, 27% of parliamentary seats, and 23% of ministerial positions. The webinar featured an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Lindiwe, who shared valuable insights on accelerating women’s political power, advancing marginalised voices, and building a truly democratic and just society.

Keseb's Virtual Conversation Series on Building Reflective Pro-Democracy Leadership

Throughout October, Keseb hosted a four-part virtual conversation series featuring leading democracy champions. Futurelect’s Founder and CEO Lindiwe Mazibuko participated in the second conversation, "Building a Truly Reflective Pro-Democracy Public Leadership," on 7 October 2024. Alongside Tainah Pereira from Mulheres Negras Decidem and Erin Vilardi from Vote Run Lead, Lindiwe discussed effective strategies for building a pro-democracy public leadership that is reflective, equipped, and committed to advancing an inclusive democracy. This discussion was moderated by Yordanos Eyoel, Keseb’s Founder and CEO, and provided valuable insights into enhancing democratic engagement and leadership.

Lindiwe Mazibuko Represents Futurelect at the United Nations General Assembly and World Economic Forum Sustainable Development Impact Meetings in New York

On 23 September 2024, Futurelect’s Founder and CEO, Lindiwe Mazibuko, attended the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where she joined global leaders in pivotal discussions on the future of inclusive governance, political leadership, and innovation. Representing Futurelect’s vision on the world stage, Lindiwe engaged in meaningful dialogues that underscored the importance of diverse voices in shaping a more equitable global society.

At the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Meetings, Lindiwe was a featured panellist alongside distinguished figures, including Miroslav Lajcak, Special Representative of the European Union; Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Geir Pedersen, UN Special Envoy for Syria; and Simon Freakley, Chairman and CEO of AlixPartners. Moderated by Mirek Dusek, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, the panel addressed the pressing challenges of a rapidly evolving international landscape—marked by shifting governance centres, heightened security concerns, and increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

The panel discussion, part of the AlixPartners Disruption Index, provided insights into these complex trends. Lindiwe championed the role of innovative, inclusive governance as fundamental to future stability and progress. To view the full panel discussion.

Futurelect’s Founder and CEO Advocates for Reflective Public Leadership in Stanford Social Innovation Review Essay

Lindiwe Mazibuko, Futurelect’s Founder and CEO co-authored an impactful essay published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review with Tainah Pereira from Mulheres Negras Decidem (Black Women Decide) and Erin Vilardi from Vote Run Lead . In their piece, "Building a Truly Reflective Pro-Democracy Public Leadership," the authors advocate for a shift beyond superficial diversity in leadership towards building genuinely inclusive public leadership committed to strengthening democratic values.

The essay is part of the Keseb-sponsored series "21st-Century Democracy: Building a Transnational Innovation Ecosystem," highlighting the critical need for leadership development models to cultivate a new generation of leaders from diverse backgrounds. The authors argue for structural changes to create governing conditions where these leaders can not only emerge but thrive, underscoring that authentic representation is essential for advancing inclusive democracies worldwide.

Futurelect’s Writer, Jack Brodsky and Terry Selucky from Vote Run Lead supported the essay through additional research and writing.