By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Ekhuruleni council’s Pelisa Nkunjana at work at her office in Germiston. Picture: Nigel Sibanda.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day today, the City of Ekurhuleni proudly recognises the remarkable achievements of Alderman Pelisa Nkunjana, the region’s first female Chief Whip, whose leadership exemplifies this year’s theme of women breaking barriers and transforming communities.
Ald. Nkunjana, a published feminist author and seasoned public servant, represents the changing face of governance in South Africa, where women leaders are increasingly taking central roles in reshaping local government and challenging long-established patriarchal systems.
“International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebration – it’s about recognising the revolutionary influence women bring to leadership positions,” says Ald. Nkunjana, whose book Right to be a Woman has established her as a powerful voice for gender equality. “When women lead, we bring different perspectives to governance that centre on community needs, accountability, and sustainable change.
Since her historic appointment, Ald. Nkunjana has demonstrated how women’s leadership approaches can revitalize local governance. Her recently completed Service Delivery Week across Ekurhuleni’s townships – including Thembisa, Katlehong, Tsakane, Duduza, and Etwatwa – showcased a leadership style that emphasizes direct community engagement, collaborative problem-solving, and swift action.
Unlike traditional top-down governance models, Ald. Nkunjana’s approach involves working alongside ward councillors and community members, particularly uplifting women’s voices that have historically been marginalized in service delivery discussions. Her interventions have targeted issues disproportionately affecting women in communities, including incomplete housing projects, infrastructure collapse, and waste management failures.
“Women often bear the greatest burden when service delivery fails,” Ald. Nkunjana notes. “They’re typically responsible for household water collection when taps run dry, caring for family members affected by unsanitary conditions, and navigating unsafe environments created by inadequate infrastructure. My leadership recognizes these gender-specific impacts and prioritizes solutions accordingly.”
Her leadership style embodies many qualities being celebrated globally on International Women’s Day – courage in challenging entrenched systems, compassion in addressing community needs, and commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Ald. Nkunjana represents what we’re celebrating today – women who don’t just participate in governance but fundamentally transform it,” said a community leader from Katlehong who participated in recent engagements.
“Her willingness to directly confront corruption and mediocrity while advocating for gender-responsive service delivery makes her a model for women leaders everywhere.”
On this International Women’s Day celebrations, the Office of the Chief Whip reaffirms its commitment to gender-responsive governance and invites all residents, particularly women, to engage with municipal leadership in building a more equitable Ekurhuleni where service delivery meets everyone’s needs.
“As we approach International Women’s Day 2025 we honour women’s leadership, but our mission continues beyond this celebration,” concludes Ald. Nkunjana. “Real gender equality isn’t just symbolic—it’s measured by concrete improvements in our communities’ daily lives, especially for those who’ve been historically overlooked.”
Residents are encouraged to engage with the Office of the Chief Whip and report any service delivery failures to ensure continued intervention and action.