#159 Malebo Sephodi “Miss Behave”

Malebo Sephodi is a South African writer and researcher. With over 6 years corporate and just over 20 years community development experience, Malebo has worked and spoken in various parts of Africa, Europe and the Americas. She has worked with many Schools, NGO’s and the private sector tackling numerous socio-economic projects.

She has been listed by Okay Africa as top 100 women in Africa in 2018 and a Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young People in 2018. She was the recipient of the Fabulous Woman Brave Award in 2018 and a runner up in the Gauteng Legislature Vita Basadi Award. Malebo was also the recipient of the South African Literary Award first-time Published Author in 2018 and is a Wits City Institute Mellon Fellow and recipient of the Wits University Walter and Albertina Sisulu Prize. Her research interests include: Gender, Human Development Economy, Artificial Intelligence Policy, and the Hegemony of Science.

Her debut non-fiction titled Miss Behave published by BlackBird Books (imprint of Jacana Media) was released in May 2017. Dubbed by many readers as “compulsory reading,” Miss Behave tracks Malebo’s journey as a Black Woman in South Africa fighting for autonomy over her life. She addresses issues such as Patriarchy, Sexism, Intersectionality, Body positivity and Economic Quotas. Miss Behave has been long listed for the Sunday Times Alan Paton Non Fiction Prize.

Malebo shares how growing up in a family of activists was the start of her being seen as a pillar in her community and how the pressure to remain that pillar took a toll on her body which eventually led to an awakening of sorts (my language) with respect to self care. She shares how she learned to rest, find pleasure, joy and prioritize self care. Malebo also talks about the role spirituality plays in her personal care as well as her life in general, and how honoring her spirituality is decolonial work. “Science is knowledge, but who defines what that knowledge is.” Malebo has also done a lot of work to end gender based violence, and she shares some of her lessons learned along the way. There are so many nuggets of wisdom in this talk today, grab a cup of tea and enjoy! Here’s her TEDxTalk that I mentioned.

Also as mentioned at the end of the show, here’s where you can find out about IONE’s Dream Festival, happening now! http://www.ministryofmaat.org/dreamfestival.html

Today’s show was produced, hosted, and edited by ME, Theresa, so please forgive any hiccups.

Our show music is from Shana Falana !!!

Feel free to email me, say hello: she@iwantwhatshehas.org

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