The absence of representation is a silence that screams loud and clear the reality that you do not belong. However, the presence of representation, on the other hand, is an affirmation of hope, proclaiming: “You are seen, you are heard, and you matter.”
For marginalised persons (a previously disenfranchised black woman, a black queer woman or a white woman who is living with a disability), representation is not just a symbol of inclusivity, but a driver of social change. It challenges the status quo, disrupts systemic oppression, and forges a more just and equitable society.
When we see ourselves reflected in positions of power and authority, we are reminded that our experiences, our perspectives, and our lives have value. Representation is not just a milestone, but a movement that serves as a testament to the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion to transform lives, communities and societies.
As a black queer man, I’ve experienced the pain of exclusion and the erasure that comes with being invisible in dominant narratives and spaces. Yet, I’ve also come to realise that my struggles, though personal, are part of a broader spectrum of marginalisation.
The stories of Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Letsike, and Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, resonate deeply with me, for they embody the transformative power of representation that I speak of.
Seeing oneself reflected in positions of power and authority is also a fundamental human right that can shatter oppression and unlock the full potential of marginalised individuals like myself.
This includes the lesbian woman disowned by her parents, the scolded young trans-affirming student in some campus residence, the gay man who feels unnoticed at work, and the differently abled woman who faces inaccessible public transport and other forms of exclusion. Many more people suffer daily abuse and marginalisation.
This Women’s Month, the narratives of Justice Maya, Letsike, and Le Roux converge to define a landmark moment in the struggle for women’s emancipation, celebrating the inclusion of women from diverse backgrounds and underscoring the imperative of inclusive progress, where every woman is seen and heard.
As we mark Women’s Month, I celebrate Mandisa, Mmapaseka and Mia, three women who embody the spirit of representation and inclusion. The clever coincidence that their names form MAMMA MIA, inspired by the iconic musical, drives home a vital message that women’s stories, their relationships and lived experiences must be seen, heard, and celebrated.
I creatively also thought about how these women relate to one another and developed this not-so-serious connection.
I see a bit of Donna Sheridan (Meryl Streep) in Justice Maya. Justice Maya’s remarkable career, leadership, and advocacy for social justice mirror the strength, resilience, and unwavering principles of Sheridan, the formidable matriarch of Mamma Mia. Rosie Mulligan’s (Julie Walters) gentle leadership and empathetic heart inspire and nurture those around her.
Similarly, Mmapaseka Letsike’s selfless dedication to amplifying the voices of marginalised people and championing human rights embodies a similar spirit of kindness, compassion, and endless support for inclusivity.
Finally, Le Roux's win as Miss South Africa, like Tanya Chesham-Leigh’s (Christine Baranski) former beauty queen status in Mamma Mia! celebrates confidence, empowerment, and a new era of inclusive beauty.
Mandisa Maya
In 2023, Judges Matter reported that there were 253 judges in superior courts, including the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, high courts and specialist courts. Of the 253, approximately 113 are women. This translates to about 45% representation of women in judicial authority.
Although the numbers may be fairly favourable to women, with a fairly decent 113, there are still historic issues that prevent them from breaking the ceiling. To put this in context, 42 judges are white men (17%), 39% are black men, 13% are white women, and 32% are black women.
There is, however, a huge gap in leadership regarding women’s representation. Advancements have however been made at the magistrate’s court level where 51% of the magistrates nationally are women, and 75% are black women.
The judiciary is a cornerstone of democracy, and its institutional culture can either empower or marginalise women, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority groups. Justice Maya’s historic appointment as the first woman and first black woman to hold the offices of president of the Supreme Court of Appeal and chief justice shatters multiple glass ceilings.
Her outstanding tenure, marked by 28 hearings, three unanimous judgments, and five majority judgments since 2022 testifies to her exceptional leadership and capacity to command respect from the legal community.
As a black woman, Justice Maya’s journey to the pinnacle of the judiciary is a testament to her unwavering resilience and determination in the face of intersecting forms of oppression, mostly embedded in the historic legacy of the judiciary.
Her leadership has been characterised by a commitment to social justice and a nuanced understanding of the ways in which race, gender, and class intersect to marginalise certain groups. Her appointment marks a watershed moment in the pursuit of gender equality, racial justice, and representation in the legal profession, particularly for black women.
Her appointment will pave the way for future generations of women – particularly those from marginalised communities – to pursue careers in law and leadership, thereby cultivating a more just and democratic environment for women. Justice Maya’s story is one that affirms the position of women in contemporary South Africa.
Mmapaseka Steve Letsike
As the world witnesses the unrelenting spirit of queer individuals breaking boundaries in mainstream spaces, gay liberation and trans rights activist Sylvia Rivera’s poignant words resonate deeply: “We have to do it because we can no longer stay invisible. We have to be visible. We should not be ashamed of who we are.” This rallying cry has inspired a new generation of queer leaders, including Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, who continues to assert her presence in spaces that once marginalised sexual minorities.
A celebrated and award-winning human rights advocate, Letsike has left an indelible mark on the global and regional queer organising landscape. As chairperson of the Commonwealth Equality Network, she has championed the rights of marginalised communities with unwavering dedication, driving the focus of support for queer work towards South Africa’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) movement.
Her groundbreaking work in South Africa has yielded remarkable results through her endless and active fight to end the spread of HIV/Aids, promote social justice for the marginalised and end the gender-based violence scourge.
She founded one of the country’s premier LGBTIQ and women’s centres, Access Chapter 2, which recently became Africa’s first lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and women’s law clinic.
Letsike’s leadership extends to her roles as national chairperson of the Embrace Diversity Movement and former co-chair of the South African National Aids Council. Her appointment to the National Executive Committee of the ANC in 2023 marked a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
However, it is her recent appointment as deputy minister for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities that has sent a resounding message of hope and inclusivity throughout South Africa.
As the first openly affirming LGBTIQ activist to hold this position, Letsike’s appointment shatters a long-standing barrier, ushering in a new era of representation and empowerment for marginalised communities.
For too long, LGBTIQ individuals have been relegated to the fringes of society, their voices silenced and their experiences erased. Letsike’s leadership embodies the transformative power of representation, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
As a proud lesbian woman and seasoned activist, Letsike brings a unique perspective to her role, tackling issues affecting women, youth, and persons with disabilities with zeal. Her appointment serves as a testament to the notion that representation is, indeed, power.
Mia le Roux
Women with disabilities, particularly those with hearing and speech impairments, face compound marginalisation, navigating the intersections of sexism, ableism, and communication barriers. These barriers limit their access to education, employment, healthcare, and social services, perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion.
In another recent mark of celebration, Mia le Roux was crowned the new Miss South Africa. She overcame these barriers, showcasing her talents, intelligence, and beauty, despite the odds.
Le Roux’s victory is a testament to the power of representation. Representation matters because it humanises marginalised communities, inspires marginalised individuals, promotes inclusivity, and challenges systemic barriers.
We need more stories, more voices, and more visibility for women with disabilities, particularly those with hearing and speech impairments. Le Roux’s Miss South Africa victory is a beacon of hope for women with disabilities, particularly those with hearing and speech impairments. DM