Abstract
It is my pleasure to bring you the SABPP Women’s Report for the third time. The 2013
edition of the report contains chapters aimed at encouraging concerted action and
creating political awareness. The focal chapter of the 2013 Women’s Report presents
the theme of politics, providing a poignant analysis of South African female politicians
and their impact, or lack thereof, on advancing the gender cause. Lindiwe Makhunga
provides insight into the history and background of women in South African politics,
and critically evaluates the low levels of influence and effect demonstrated by presentday
female politicians.
Continuing with the theme of leadership and organisational politics, two chapters provide actionable information,
contributed by experienced coaches of female leaders. Leanne Meyer, who is based in the USA, reveals female
leadership insights gained in the United States. Leanne reflects on issues such as the power of 360° feedback and
how authenticity and leadership development lead to identity development, and shares invaluable coaching themes
for the benefit of female leaders. As female leaders in the USA and South Africa seemingly have many issues in
common in understanding their corporate careers and in their levels of political astuteness, the chapter dovetails
with Renate Volpe’s experience of fostering political intelligence amongst South African women. She presents a
number of viewpoints on how women can go about increasing their awareness of organisational politics and learn
to play the political game with greater effect.
Jenni Gobind looks at how the well-intended Employment Equity Act has, in effect, failed South African women,
especially those in senior and executive roles. She also explains the forthcoming proposed amendments to the Act,
crystallising the difference between employment equity and affirmative action. The topic of workplace bullying,
together with the fact that women are often the preferred targets, is expanded on by Leigh Leo and Robyn Reid, in
hopes of stimulating thought around this destructive phenomenon.
The report would not be complete without an update of the statistics of women and men in the South African
workplace. Madelyn Geldenhuys provides us with these figures, drawn from various sources and databases.
This chapter provides benchmark figures for HR practitioners to bear in mind when styling their gender
mainstreaming plans.
The intention of the 2013 Women’s Report is to bring topics of a political and leadership nature to the attention
of HR practitioners. As always, the report combines evidence-based practice with solid practical experience and
suggestions, enabling HR practitioners to deal