Mmatshilo Motsei
Prof. Tshepo Madlingozi
13/04/2022
An impossible dream
20/04/2022
Mmatshilo Motsei, is Founder of Afrika Ikalafe, an organisation that specialises in personal and societal transformation that is founded on African spiritual principles. Her overall aim is to uncover the old truth that Africa is great and powerful and that, because of the poisoning of our mind, our soul is afflicted. Consequently, Africa’s traumatic past has led to a condition which calls for multigenerational healing, hence the name Afrika Ikalafe, which means Afrika Heal Thyself.
An African mystic, author, healer, and midwife, Mmatshilo started her career as a nurse, midwife, nursing lecturer, social science researcher and community development facilitator. With a BA Hons in Psychology and MA in Creative Writing, she uses writing as a tool for healing. She is an author of six books which includes Kanga and the Kangaroo Court: Reflections on the Rape Trial of Jacob Zuma, Hearing Visions, and Reweaving the Soul of the Nation, a collection of essays in African spirituality, politics, and feminism.
Awards and Honours
Leading Feminist Voice in Africa Fellowship
Advisory Committee
Honorary Doctorate, Social Science Professions for developing a healing justice framework in responding to sexual violence in South Africa.
Honorary Doctorate, Community Psychology for involving men as part of the solution to violence against women.
Mbokodo Award, South Africa.
Finalist, Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger. Recognition for rural women’s leadership and civil society building
White Ribbon Award for making a difference in violence against women in South Africa.
Finalist in the Arts, Culture and Communications category.
Nominated by Dr. Robin Miller for the 2002-2003 Award for Distinguished contribution to a practice of Community Psychology.
Light a Candle Award for involving men in addressing gender violence. Award administered by the Centre for Reconciliation and Equality Studies, Pretoria.
UN Scroll of Honour Award for outstanding work in involving men as part of the solution to violence against women.
International Human Rights Award
Ashoka Fellowship Programme
