Welcome to the official website of Melanie Verwoerd
Melanie is a former Member of Parliament for the ANC, the former Ambassador to Ireland, and the former Director of UNICEF- Ireland. She is also the author of the best-selling book When We Dance, a memoir published in South Africa under the title The Verwoerd who Toyi-Toyied. She has wrote a weekly column on News24 for 8 years, and has authored and co-authored books including 21 at 21: The Coming of a Nation and Our Madiba: Stories and Reflections from Those who Met Nelson Mandela. She currently works as a independent political analyst, and has recently released both a book and a podcast titled Never Waste a Good Hysterectomy. She is the founder of When Women Rise retreats, curated 4-night luxury safari retreats for women outside of Cape Town, South Africa.
At When Women Rise retreats, founder Melanie Verwoerd creates safe spaces for women to catch their breath, rest and heal in the African bush. Experienced retreat leaders facilitate daily sessions to help you find your path, purpose and true self again so that you can engage in the world with renewed energy and focus. The 4- night program includes daily sessions of reflection and empowerment, game drives, me-time, nature walks, star gazing, spa time and storytelling around the fire.
2025 dates are now open for our retreat.
Interviews & Media
Al Jazeera’s Inside Story x Melanie Verwoerd: The US declares the South African ambassador 'persona non grata' - citing his criticism of the Trump administration. South Africa expresses regret at the expulsion of its envoy, but is taking no action in return. Can relations be repaired? Al Jazeera’s Dareen Abughaida speaks with Political Analyst and former South African Ambassador to Ireland Melanie Verwoerd, as well as Mark Pfeifle, President of PR firm Off the Record Strategies and former US Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, and Frank Gerits, Assistant Professor in the History of International Relations department at Utrecht University.
BBC News x Former Ambassador Melanie Verwoerd: With just 72 hours to leave the country, South Africa’s Ambassador has been expelled from the US under the Trump Administration. BBC News speaks with Melanie Verwoerd about Amb. Ebrahim Rasool’s expulsion and US-South Africa relations.
Al Jazeera’s Inside Story x Melanie Verwoerd: US President Donald Trump is accusing South Africa of human rights violations against its white farmers. He's cut assistance that includes critical HIV medication. Trump cited a law that allows the South African government to seize farmland and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, for his decision. South African-born adviser to Trump - Elon Musk - is also accusing the country of what he calls, 'openly racist' land ownership laws. So what role does the billionaire play? And is humanitarian aid being weaponised? A conversation with Melanie Verwoerd - Political Analyst and a former Member of Parliament for the ANC under President Nelson Mandela.
TROPHY HUNTING: Can trophy hunting ever be justified? I chat with Kay Burley of Sky News about a trophy hunter who has gone viral for bragging about killing cheetah cubs in Namibia and share my views.
‘Big shock’ to ANC if they get below 50 percent of vote
Melanie Verwoerd, a political analyst and former ANC MP, speaks with Al Jazeera. While South Africans “definitely” want change in terms of governance, this does not necessarily mean they will not vote for the governing party…
South Africa is commemorating the 30th anniversary of its first democratic election.
South Africa is marking Freedom Day – the historic day that changed the course of the country.
Hopes were high in 1994, as years of segregation and white-minority rule came to an end, and millions of Black South Africans cast their vote for the first time.
How Important Does Freedom Day Remain to South Africans?
Melanie Verwoerd on the Al Jazeera Media Network speaking about Freedom Day in South Africa.
Books & Podcasts
MELANIE VERWOERD’S LATEST BOOK
Never Waste a Good Hysterectomy: Life Lessons From a Crisis
Following the discovery of a large ovarian growth, Melanie was forced to undergo radical hysterectomy surgery. The physical recovery was painful, messy and took much longer than expected. However, even more surprising was the emotional toll and the deeper, soul-searching questions that the procedure brought to the fore. Melanie’s journey is one that is brutally honest and hope giving but above all insists that women’s voices be heard.
*Available for purchase in South Africa HERE, or internationally on Amazon.
MELANIE VERWOERD’S LATEST PODCAST
Never Waste a Good Hysterectomy: The Podcast
After she learned she would need a radical hysterectomy, Melanie was shocked by how little information was available to women about hysterectomies.
In an effort to address this information gap, Melanie has partnered with medical & health experts to unpack the ins and outs of hysterectomy surgery and its recovery. They chat all things hysterectomy, including taboo subjects such as sex, the dreaded “poop situation”, possible surgical complications, hormone fluctuations, and more in her signature candid and humorous style.
* Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Iono, Google Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts*
Recent Columns
