EFF’s Leigh-Ann Mathys tallies score of Women’s Month

In celebration of Women’s Month, we’re talking to the leading ladies in politics, beyond parliamentary proceedings. Last week, Buhle Lindwa chatted to the Democratic Alliance’s Natasha Mazzone – this week, the Economic Freedom Fighters’ Leigh-Ann Mathys talks about what it’s like being a woman in the world of South African politics.

I sat down with Leigh-Ann Mathys, the Treasurer General in the EFF, to get the uncensored truth of what it means to her being a woman in South Africa.

Leigh-Ann Mathys: “Sometimes this month feels like a band-aid”

As we are still enjoying the fruits of Women’s Month, but Mathys is not too sold on the idea of having one particular month allocated to issues women will face for the other 11 months of the year.

“Women’s month is a reminder, that our voices are found only in this one month, out of the 12 months of the year. It also serves as a reminder that we have come far, but not far enough, we are receiving crumbs from the bigger table of patriarchy. In all industries from politics to media. Sometimes this month feels like a band-aid that says okay you can discuss your issues now. Only time will tell if we are making progress or not, however, we will use this one month to continue highlighting whatever issues arise on gender equality.”

Treasurer General in the EFF, Leigh-Ann Mathys

It’s all work and no play

Since the formation of the Economic Freedom Fighters seven years ago, Mathys has dived into work and has not had much of a personal life outside of her work commitments.

“I was sort of thrown into the deep end of the ocean. Especially being in an industry where I had no prior experience besides just being politically aware and active. But there is a difference in being politically aware, and being in the heart of a political party in our country. I was thrown in that without having any political party experience.”

Treasurer General in the EFF, Leigh-Ann Mathys

Leigh-Ann Mathys: “You will be up until 2 am listening to complaints“

However, if you throw a fish in the water it will swim. Mathys further divulged how much work happens behind the scene, and suggested that the interviews, debates and everything else that is seen by the public serve as 1% of the work that goes behind it all.

“The hardest work is working within the organisation and growing your structure. We also have many different personalities to deal with too, and even with leadership structures on all levels, sometimes they fight. Sometimes you will be up until 2 am listening to complaints about fellow cadres, and you have to listen and resolve problems. If you don’t your structure will be tainted. It is completely taxing and tiring, but it is something I completely love. I would have never thought in my wildest dreams that I could be part of.”

Treasurer General in the EFF, Leigh-Ann Mathys

“We went into parliament with none of us ever have been an MP before”

Laughingly Leigh-Ann reminisced about the growth of the party and how far they have come. From their first time in parliament and having no idea on what to do, to now preparing for the second national assembly where they will be choosing leadership at a national level.

“At the beginning as EFF, we went into parliament with none of us ever have been an MP before. So everything was new, sometimes we were standing there and an announcement calling for maybe a “division of votes”, and we would be there ok what is happening now. It was so new, but it didn’t take us long to learn and, we threw ourselves into being familiar with the processes.”

Treasurer General in the EFF, Leigh-Ann Mathys

Leigh-Ann Mathys: “There is enough room in the sky for everyone to shine”

I probed and asked what would be the best advice to give for emerging women in politics. I received a bountiful answer from the Treasurer General as patriarchal roles are still underway to being completely broken down.

“I would say always be true to yourself when you join politics always know why you are joining. So my advice for emerging women in politics; know what it is that you want to do and why you want to do it. Also, assess if you have the character because the skills can be built on that too.

Most importantly own your space! I always converse with my colleagues that you should not cover up anything. If you have been sexually harassed or abused by leadership or anybody within the organisation, you are not protecting the organisation by keeping quiet and not reporting it.

This applies to both men and women, people in power can try to abuse their position, so if you are not comfortable with something report it. These things come out and it looks ugly later on. Rather deal with it now and does not matter what position they are in, especially in the context of us operating in a patriarchal society, these things must be reported and dealt with.”

Treasurer General in the EFF, Leigh-Ann Mathys

With the whole girl-power thing, Leigh-Ann suggests females can go the extra mile and genuinely support each other and give credit where it is due.

“There is enough room in the sky for everyone to shine, it would be much better to get support as this goes a long way in surviving political parties. When I say go the extra mile, I say that because too much pressure is put on us. As soon as there is a disagreement with one another, people will be quick to say ‘women hate women’. But it is okay to disagree, men do it all the time and it’s fine. But when women do it, it will be seen as if we are pulling each other down.”

Treasurer General in the EFF, Leigh-Ann Mathys