African feminism in the life of Mamphela Ramphele: a psychobiographic investigation

Purpose This study aims to describe, explore, analyse and understand Ramphele’s leadership development and is theoretically anchored in Oyewùmí’s (1997, 2002) African feminism conceptual framework. The study objectives comprise two aspects: firstly, examining the leadership journey of a Black African leader through the lens of the selected feminist theory, and secondly, developing a leadership framework for Black African women leaders from a feminist theory perspective. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a qualitative psychobiographical account, classified as a longitudinal, single-case design. Ramphele was purposively sampled to enhance the leadership literature through studying the leadership development of a woman leader in South Africa. Data from the public domain were analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical standards and procedures in psychobiography were followed to improve the study’s quality criteria and protect the subject from potential harm. Findings The findings reveal the presence of gender, structural and cultural influences in her leadership pursuit. Such factors include patriarchal systems, apartheid, racial injustices, career bias, criticisms, banning orders and the lack of opportunities. To manage these gender aspects, Ramphele adopted her mother’s socially constructed assertive behaviour, resilient demeanour, self-determination and courageous behaviour and pursued education as a leadership resource and empowerment tool to overcome the unjust system. Research limitations/implications Finally, this study is limited to a psychobiographical single-case study and cannot be generalised. It provides insight into women’s leadership in a very specific context and within a very specific time frame. Practical implications This psychobiographical study has the potential to help women in business, whether serving as managers or leaders or assuming positions of power, by modelling Ramphele’s strategic leadership and ways to overcome systemic challenges. Originality/value This research study contributes to studies focusing on non-Western, educated, industrialised, rich and democratic contexts. It provides further insight into African women’s leadership through the lens of African feminism.