This week on Womanity-Women in Unity Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Wendy Alexander who represents the Democratic Alliance party in parliament and serves on the Standing Committee of Finance, which overseas the National Treasury and statutory entities.

In 2024 more than 60 countries held national elections, representing approximately 50% of the global population. Ms Alexander highlights the importance of citizens using their vote to shape the direction of the country. She encourages voters to consider their vote as a “loan” to political parties and to hold them to their promises—or shift allegiance if those promises go unfulfilled. There are tensions for politicians operating in a multi-party coalition government because of differences between party manifestos, but there are common driving forces, such as getting the economy to work and decreasing unemployment rates that ensure political parties work together to serve the best interests of the people.

Ms Alexander shares her motivations for entering politics, driven by a desire to stop complaining about issues and rather be a force for change. Politics provides a meaningful platform to exert influence, to change or introduce new legislation that impacts on the trajectory of the country. We emphasize the need for more women to step into political roles and call for foundational programs that equip aspiring women leaders with the skills to influence South Africa’s political landscape.

The conversation also explores her work in the Finance Committee, where she sheds light on the importance of sustainable government spending and debt management. She highlights the progress made in gender-responsive budgeting and the need for data-driven approaches to promote economic inclusivity for women. Thinking creatively helps to identify new solutions, such as blended finance or lower and flexible interest rates. We raise the issue of the need for institutional reform and challenging the status quo, acknowledging that sometimes what was once conventional is now redundant. Ms Alexander is an advocate for inclusivity and outside of her political work she serves on the board of the South African Guide Dog Association and has raised puppies to serve as guide dogs for the blind.

Be the change you wish to see. Tune in for more.