Matshepo Seedat is a veteran South African public sector strategist and media liaison officer. Currently leading public communications for the Department of Higher Education and Training, Seedat combines extensive administrative media experience with active commentary on social justice, digital transformation in governance, and gender equity.
In 2026, Seedat added another milestone to her career: a master’s degree in Industrial Sociology from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), completed with distinction.
Reflecting on her academic journey, Seedat felt her path to UJ was destiny. “I believe that the University of Johannesburg chose me. It’s a long story but mainly It allowed me to select a course that covered various things I was interested in and the flexibility of study,” she said.
Leaning into her more than a decade of experience in the public service, Seedat focused her dissertation on workplace dynamics, titling it ‘Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Intra Gender Discrimination in Government: Exploring the Queen Bee Phenomenon.’
“What led to the topic of exploring (discriminatory) relationships between women at national government was my observation of how women change as they rise within the ranks towards other women and how many women at lower positions are depressed not because of sexism in the workplace but because of how other women treated them. I wanted to explore our own ability to discriminate as women and what led to it.”
Her drive to pursue postgraduate studies while managing a demanding career stemmed from two main sources. First was the lifelong inspiration of watching her mother excel academically. “My mom has several degrees and growing up I’ve witnessed my mom graduate four times and I always remember the feeling when the procession comes in with the song Gaudeamus Igitur, graduation procession song, it gave me a really good feeling. So, when I was not motivated, I would play the song on and remember the feeling it brought me but also, I’d imagine myself walking that stage. I’d get up and carry on”.
Second, she received vital encouragement from her supervisor at work, which served as an essential pillar of support given the intense pressure of high-level, public-facing government communication.
“I was so blessed that it was my direct supervisor who advised me to pursue my studies. It made all the difference because I was supported to study. My advice is that professionals have hard conversations about the kind of support they need to take up studies, with their family and colleagues because you need that support in order to succeed. Any degree is the work of the one studying and the sacrifices of the ones around them.”
The journey was not without significant personal hurdles. Facing clinical depression due to a stressful workplace environment, Seedat had to temporarily pause her studies to seek treatment. However, strong academic backing from her UJ supervisors, Professor David du Toit and co-supervisor Professor Letitia Smuts helped her stay the course.
“I faced many challenges during my three-year master’s studies. I went through major depression because of experiences at my previous work and was hospitalised and had to take two months leave from my studies and my UJ supervisors were very understanding. However, at the end of those two months, I picked up my tools and continued. Who would’ve thought that I’d come out on the other side with a distinction. It shows what tenacity dedication and support can achieve.”
A standout moment near the end of her studies coincided with UJ’s 20th anniversary celebrations, where her professional and academic lives aligned.
“I became spokesperson to the Minister of Higher Education last year (2025) and when the University of Johannesburg celebrated its 20th anniversary, I accompanied the Minister as he was the keynote address speaker. I felt so proud being a UJ student who got to sit right behind the VC and next to the first VC of UJ Prof (Ihron) Rensburg, who is now the Advisor to the Minister at the event!”
Professor Ihron Rensburg, UJ’s inaugural Vice-Chancellor and current special advisor to Minister of Higher Education Buti Manamela, praised Seedat’s stellar academic and professional track record.
“Warmest congratulations Matshepo on your graduation an achievement that lays the foundation for a future distinguished academic career vocation. Your role as spokeswoman for Minister Manamela is a testament to the trust, professionalism, and credibility you have earned over many years. Having previously served with distinction as spokeswoman for Deputy President Mabuza, you have demonstrated rare poise, discipline, and commitment in representing important offices of government with clarity and dignity. Your ability to communicate complex matters with calm assurance, respect, and integrity has made you a respected voice in the public sector. You continue to inspire many young professionals, especially women, who aspire to serve their country through effective leadership, strategic communication, and principled public engagement,” he said.
