Mapungubwe Institute For Strategic Reflection (MISTRA)

26/08/2026

To wrap up a powerful and thought-provoking launch of Reflections on Women and Social Change in South Africa: MISTRA Collected Works, Gloria Britain delivers MISTRA’s official closing remarks and vote of thanks.

A sincere thank you to our keynote speaker, moderators, author panellists, and every attendee who joined the conversation today. Your contributions reaffirm that centering women's lived experiences is essential for achieving true socio-economic transformation in South Africa.

26/08/2026

Panel 2 | Contemporary Social Issues Facing Women

MISTRA Researcher Lwanda Maqwelane moderates our second panel discussion for the official launch of Reflections on Women and Social Change in South Africa: MISTRA Collected Works.

The session features author panellists:
• Thandeka Kathi – Head of Pollution & Climate Change Programme, Centre for Environmental Rights
• Londiwe Mntambo – Executive Director, We Are The People
• Lindelwe Dube – Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)

The important discussion looks at the multifaceted challenges facing modern South African women from environmental justice and climate action to democratic engagement, civic activism, and international diplomacy.

26/08/2026

Panel 1: Discussion on Reflections on Women and Social Change in South Africa

Moderated by MISTRA's Sandy Africa, this panel bring together our author panellists for an impactful conversation:

• Lisa Vetten (Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, Wits)
• Dr Refiloe Lepere (Wits School of Education)
• Gladys Nester Ndebele (Ex-founder of Women Affected by Mining United in Action)

Together, they examine the structural inequalities, grassroots activism, and policy shifts needed to drive genuine transformation for South African women.

26/08/2026

MISTRA Research Associate Ayanda Ndletyana provides a comprehensive Overview of Reflections on Women and Social Change in South Africa, breaking down key thematic insights, gender dynamics, and systemic paths to transformation.

26/08/2026

HSRC CEO and MISTRA Board Member Prof Sarah Mosoetsa delivers the Keynote Address at the launch of Reflections on Women and Social Change in South Africa: MISTRA Collected Works.

Prof Mosoetsa emphasizes the role of rigorous social science research in dismantling gender disparities, elevating women's contributions, and driving inclusive policy across South Africa.

26/08/2026

MISTRA Executive Director Joel Netsh*tenzhe delivers the opening remarks at the official launch of Reflections on Women and Social Change in South Africa: MISTRA Collected Works.

Setting the stage for an impactful dialogue, Netsh*tenzhe highlighted the central role of women in steering socio-economic transformation, challenging institutional barriers, and shaping effective public policy across South Africa.

26/08/2026

As Programme Director, MISTRA’s Dzunisani Mathonsi sets a focused, insightful tone for the book launch event. Mathonsi ensured the engagement around Reflections on Women and Social Change in South Africa: MISTRA Collected Works remained sharp, accessible, and grounded in actionable insights a fitting homage to the legacy of 1956 and women driving social change today.

26/08/2026

Happening today! Join us at 10:00 AM for the launch of MISTRA’s latest book: Reflections on Women and Social Change in South Africa: MISTRA Collected Works.

Don't miss this crucial conversation on gender, transformation, and social change. https://mistra-org-za.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m-WGTFG_Syu6qMKuRjugAQ #/registration

26/08/2026

! MISTRA’s book launch, Reflections on Women and Social Change in South Africa: MISTRA Collected Works - kicks off at 10h00am today.

You can still register to join through this link: https://mistra-org-za.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m-WGTFG_Syu6qMKuRjugAQ #/registration

18/08/2026

Opinion polls can shape political narratives. But how much should we trust them? As the 2026 local elections approach, this opinion piece by Joel Netsh*tenzhe examines the baselines, biases and assumptions behind the numbers.

Read the opinion piece: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2026-08-17-baselines-and-biases-the-trouble-with-opinion-polls-in-race-to-the-local-elections



Daily Maverick

The issue is not the reliability or otherwise of polling data, it is pollsters’ interpretation of that data that policy preferences shine through, confirming alignment with some of the contestants.…