Leading With Purpose: Women At The Heart of South Africa's Government

By Jessie Taylor

The first year of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) has laid the groundwork for a new era of collaborative governance, with 11 political parties working together in a historic post-election coalition. Despite initial uncertainty, the GNU has demonstrated a commitment to stability, with key budgetary processes and policy frameworks successfully passed.

Business confidence showed signs of recovery, bolstered by the GNU’s pro-market signals, including a renewed focus on energy reforms and infrastructure investment. The inclusion of experienced ministers from across party lines, such as Siviwe Gwarube in Basic Education and Barbara Creecy in Transport, has been widely welcomed, helping to restore trust in key institutions.

Though challenges remain, including the balancing of ideological differences, the GNU’s first year has been marked by a spirit of cooperation and resilience. It has also seen a focus on including women leaders in South Africa’s Cabinet.

Women currently hold around 40% of the executive seats (31 out of 77), down from the 50% gender-balanced cabinet first achieved in 2019. In ministerial-only positions, women account for 44% of the posts. Women’s representation in the National Assembly stood at 43% in 2024, down from 46% in 2020.

A Leader In Inclusive Governance

The Women’s Political Participation (WPP) Africa Barometer 2024 reports that women’s representation in African parliaments increased slightly to 26% in 2024, up from 25% in 2021.

That modest increase reflects slow progress—at the current pace, achieving gender parity (50%) across Africa is projected to take until 2100.

South Africa is among only six African nations that have reached or exceeded 40% women’s representation in their lower houses, placing it 22nd globally in the WPP ranking.

As of 2024, 41 of 54 African countries have implemented some form of quota system to boost women’s political participation. Among them, South Africa relies heavily on its voluntary party quota system (zebra lists) to maintain higher female representation.

With just five years left until 2030, most African countries appear unlikely to meet the 50% target set under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality). WPP data underlines persistent barriers - including patriarchal norms, institutional biases, and limited resources - that inhibit women’s equal and effective participation in political decision-making.

Despite these challenges, gender diversity in government is widely recognised as critical to democratic legitimacy and social outcomes. Studies—even in non-African contexts—show links between women’s political leadership and health improvements.

For instance, research from Canada observed that as the share of women in provincial government rose from 4% to 25% between 1976 and 2009, mortality rates declined by nearly 40%, even after accounting for healthcare spending.

South Africa’s Women Leaders

Ministers

• Basic Education: Siviwe Gwarube

• Defence and Military Veterans: Angie Motshekga

• Employment and Labour: Nomakhosazana Meth

• Human Settlements: Mmamoloko Kubayi

• Justice and Constitutional Development: Thembi Nkadimeng

• Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Maropene Ramokgopa

• In the Presidency: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

• Small Business Development: Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams

• Social Development: Sisisi Tolashe

• Tourism: Patricia de Lille

• Transport: Barbara Creecy

• Water and Sanitation: Pemmy Majodina

• Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Sindisiwe Chikunga

Deputy Ministers

• Agriculture: Rosemary Nokuzola Capa

• Basic Education: Reginah Mhaule

• Electricity and Energy: Samantha Graham-Maré

• Employment and Labour: Phumzile Mgcina

• Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Bernice Swarts

• Higher Education: Mimmy Gondwe

• Human Settlements: Tandi Mhambehlala

• International Relations and Cooperation: Tandi Moraka

• Mineral and Petroleum Resources: Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala

• Police: Polly Boshielo

• Public Service and Administration: Pinky Kekana

• Science, Technology and Innovation: Nomalungelo Gina

• Small Business Development: Jane Sithole

• Sport, Arts and Culture: Peace Mabe

• Tourism: Maggie Sotyu

• Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Mmapaseka Steve Letsike

Source: SA Government | World Economic Forum | Electoral Institute of Southern Africa | International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assurance | Gender Links | AllAfrica.com | TimesLIVE | News24 | IOL | Reuters