More than a century after Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke became the first Black South African woman to earn a university degree, her life continues to shape conversations about leadership, equality and social justice, and now lives on in the palm of our hands as well.

The SA Reserve Bank unveiled a commemorative R2 coin, making Maxeke the first woman to have her image commemorated on a South African coin.
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) hosted the unveiling of the coin in partnership with the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) and also hosted a dialogue that brought together prominent women leaders from government, public institutions and civil society to reflect on what Maxeke’s legacy means today.

While the event celebrated Maxeke’s remarkable contributions to education, women’s rights and political activism, speakers emphasised that her work remains unfinished. The discussions focused on how contemporary leaders can build on the foundations she laid and extend opportunities to those who remain excluded.

Opening the dialogue, UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Robert Balfour, reflected on the enduring relevance of Maxeke’s activism: “The women’s movement that Charlotte Maxeke helped to found challenged the idea that a person’s place in society should be determined by the category assigned to them. He added: “We honour the inheritance we celebrate today by extending it.”

Former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, described Maxeke as a leader whose vision extended beyond personal achievement. “She was clearly part of a huge sense of wanting not just to give leadership, but to bring others with her,” said President Robinson.

The R2 coin commemorates 125 years since Charlotte Maxeke became the first black South African woman to graduate with a university degree. Image: Shelley Christians

President Robinson told the audience that greater representation of women in leadership remains essential to addressing global challenges today. “The world would be in a much better place if women had more positions in high office,” she said.

Western Cape Provincial MEC of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, also attended the event and highlighted education as one of the most important elements of Maxeke’s legacy. “Charlotte’s extraordinary life taught us that education is much more than personal advancement; it is a means of liberation,” she said.

For Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, the lessons of women’s leadership are rooted in solidarity and collective advancement.
“I am more a product of women's development, women pulling us up, women supporting us,” she said. She encouraged younger generations to continue this tradition: “As you rise, take other people with you.”

When presented with the coin, President Robinson took a moment to admire it in its shimmering frame, and then asked the organiser, ‘I hope I get to keep this?’ She assured everyone that she was only joking, after which they promptly confirmed that she has one of her very own Charlotte Mannya Maxeke commemorative coins that she can take home with her to Ireland.