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

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.

Melanie speaks with Val, host of the Not So Private Parts podcast. In this conversation, they explore Melanie’s personal journey, from the shocking discovery during a routine gynecological checkup of a potentially cancerous growth on one of her ovaries, to undergoing a radical hysterectomy just days later. She also details her learnings acquired throughout the recovery process and the advocacy work she has pursued since to enable more women to understand how to "Never Waste a Good Hysterectomy".

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.

The tendency to render older women invisible in society has been laid bare in Melanie Verwoerd’s latest book “Never waste a good hysterectomy”.

The personal memoir of triggers , trauma, healing , and menopause is just one of the literary offerings that will be featured on the 27th of May at the Kingsmead College book fair with HOT1027.

Tara Penny caught up with her to find out more…

Hysterectomies affect millions of women of all ages. Yet, they receive almost no attention. A newly released book and podcast by Melanie Verwoerd under the title “Never Waste a Good Hysterectomy” aims to break this cycle of silence.

Hysterectomies affect women article by Women's Health magazine

Independent.ie Melanie Verwoerd on Archbishop Desmond Tutu's motorbike

A Last Goodbye to Gerry: Melanie Verwoerd on her radical hysterectomy

Books & Podcasts

Never waste a good hysterectomy — **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*