Dr Maria Marinkie Madiope
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Project Name/Description:
Director: Transformation and Languages – Walter Sisulu University
Dr Marinkie Madiope is a visionary academic leader with over 15 years of experience. She began her managerial journey at the University of South Africa (Unisa) as the director of teaching and learning. She leads a team of 45 curriculum designers, shaping Unisa’s courses and establishing the pioneering online curriculum transformation course. An ethical and compassionate leader, she established Unisa’s ethics course and served as a certified ethics officer.
As chairperson of Unisa Women’s Forum, Dr Madiope has forged partnerships with the UN Women and South African Women in Dialogue, driving impactful community initiatives. She has championed projects such as the Dignity Project, providing sanitary pads and essentials to rural schoolgirls. Despite her many commitments, she continues to mentor women, fostering growth and resilience.
“I am driven by passion and commitment to serve in a very ethical manner as a leader. I see my role as serving as a servant of the people, in particular women, girls and the vulnerable communities,” she said.
She moved to the University of the Free State (UFS), where she was appointed a campus principal, founding the UFS Women’s Forum. This platform empowers women and facilitates the reintegration of female parolees through collaboration with the Grootvlei Prison and South African Women in Dialogue.
In 2023, Dr Madiope joined Walter Sisulu University (WSU) to establish the WSU Transformation and Languages Unit.
Dr Madiope highlights the stagnant progress of gender representation in senior roles within the South African universities. She points out to the scarcity of female vice-chancellors, some of whom have been under scrutiny.
Despite a high number of female graduates, statistics reveal a considerable gender imbalance in academic and managerial positions across universities. Male graduates continue to dominate the top academic tiers, perpetuating gender disparity.
