Who was Rhoda Kadalie? Anti-apartheid activist, feminist within the anti-apartheid movement, human rights commissioner, social development leader, opinion columnist

What made her unique? Rhoda was one of the few people within the anti-apartheid movement and the ANC who was willing to speak out against the ruling party’s abuses.

What changed her? Rhoda was changed by the experience of being targeted by the ANC abroad, by her experiences within government, and by Thabo Mbeki’s centralized style.

What was the nature of the change? Rhoda went from being a revolutionary who wanted to undo the entire order, to being a conservative who wanted to defend what was fundamental.

What are some specific examples? Rhoda supported, then opposed, affirmative action; she backed abortion, but not late-term abortion; she was a socialist, then a liberal (without labels)

What made her controversial? Rhoda called out her friends; she stood up for the opposition when it was called racist; she defended Israel; she predicted Donald Trump would win in 2016.

What didn’t people understand? That through all of her changes, she remained committed to freedom — and that she had an underlying sense of Christian faith in a moral universe.

What was her impact? She inspired many women to take charge of their lives, she inspired others to speak out, and she also is remembered in a scholarship at Hillsdale College.

What is her core principle? Rhoda believed in democratic pluralism — that citizens must have choice to hold leaders accountable, and they must seek both vigorous debate and tolerance.

How can we emulate her example? Rhoda did not just criticize; she also did. So do something. And cultivate friends who may have a different political outlook, as Rhoda did.

Buy the biography: https://rhodakadalie.com