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This webinar hosted jointly by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, the Leading Like Mandela Institute, the Thembekile Mandela Foundation and the United Nations, in a series of online “Mandela Talks” honours these legacies, celebrates the power of women to rise above adversity in creating a better world and remembers the indomitable spirit of Zindzi Mandela, a great daughter of the nation.

This comes at a time when the world is undergoing a major transformation as we face the COVID-19 pandemic. The plight of women in dealing with this pandemic and the effects thereof has highlighted the dire need to address the inequalities and indignity women suffer, gender based violence, poverty and the lack of access to the basic human rights. Our esteemed panellists whilst drawing upon the legacies of these great leaders and the wisdom derived from their own life experience will explore the leading role of women in striving to address these inequalities and to give birth to a world with human dignity, human fulfillment, peace, freedom and equality.


Mandela Talks

Wednesday 5 August 2020
Webinar (Zoom)
11:00 - 13:00 SAST


Theme: What would it take to turn the tide? Celebrating the power of women to transform the world

9 August 1956. A day we celebrate the power of women to transform the world. A day South Africa pays tribute to the more than 20 000 women, iconic women leaders the likes of Ma Albertina Sisulu, Sophie Williams-De Bruyn, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Lillian Ngoyi and Amina Cachalia,women Nelson Mandela hailed as “courageous, persistent, enthusiastic, indefatigable”, women who marched to the seat of the apartheid government to uphold their rights and in protest against the discriminatory pass law imposed upon women. 9 August 1956. A day we celebrate the power of women to transform the world. A day South Africa pays tribute to the more than 20 000 women, iconic women leaders the likes of Ma Albertina Sisulu, Sophie Williams-De Bruyn, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Lillian Ngoyi and Amina Cachalia,women Nelson Mandela hailed as “courageous, persistent, enthusiastic, indefatigable”, women who marched to the seat of the apartheid government to uphold their rights and in protest against the discriminatory pass law imposed upon women. 

Nelson Mandela dedicated his entire life to champion the cause for equality, dignity and human rights. The Constitution, which forms part of his legacy and governs our nation, so unequivocally embraces gender equality and proudly affirms the dignity of all as it continues to remind us of his vision.

  • Chair: Patience Mungwari Mpani
    Manager, Women’s Rights Unit, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
  • Welcome: Prof Frans Viljoen 
    Director, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
  • Introduction to the Mandela Talks: Dr Liaqat Azam
    Director, Leading Like Mandela Institute
  • Message by HE Ms Ndileka Mandela
    Social Activist and CEO of Thembekile Mandela Foundation
  • Message by HE Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas
    Resident Co-ordinator, United Nations South Africa

Esteemed Panellists:

  • HE Ms Ntsiki Sisulu
    Clinical Psychologist and Gender Activist
  • Ms Anne Githuku-Shongwe 
    Global Leader, Representative for UN Women’s South Africa Multi-Country Office (SAMCO)
  • Ms Esther Maluleke
    Chief Director: Governance Transformation, Justice & Security, Department of Women in the Presidency
  • Ms Tamara Eugenia Mathebula
    Honourable Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality
  • Gregory Nott 
    Director, Norton Rose Fulbright; Former Vice-President, National Association of Democratic Lawyers
    - A running battle: Caster Semenya’s courageous fight for women and human rights

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