The Real Network The Ma(i)de Sessions

The Ma(i)de Sessions

Domestic workers and cleaners occupy a unique position in a society. They are simultaneously the most ubiquitous and invisible among us. They are ever-present in our personal, professional and public spaces but often go largely undetected. These women have the potential to be the most powerful and astute social commentators as they hold a mirror to ourselves, to our children, and to our fellow citizens. Be a fly on the wall as we gain their unique perspectives on an interesting range of matters that characterise South African society.
Weekly English South Africa Society & Culture · Health & Fitness
69 Episodes
56 – 69

Ma(i)de Aspirations: Made not Maid!

What determines our aspirations? Is it our concept of opportunity or its concept of us? We asked two domestic workers about their personal aspirations to help us unpack this conundrum.
14 Jul 2016 39 min

The Ma(i)de Sessions - The Mommy Market

Pachida's mom arrived in South Africa and built a strong and sustainable livelihood for her and her child. However, if you asked a six-year-old Pachida what her Mom did for a living, she would have told you, "My mom has a second family". Then you might have said, "WAIT, HOOOLD…
7 Jul 2016 41 min

The Ma(i)de Sessions - Who for art thou, Beauty?

Is Beauty real? Or is she actually Status in lipstick and stilettos? Furthermore, is it all part of a cosmic plan? Meisie and Sibahle help us to unpack what our face makeup tells us about our soul makeup. From interracial attraction, to skin bleaching, nose pegging, and even the Black…
30 Jun 2016 36 min

The Ma(i)de Sessions - Maidenomics

What is the real value of domestic workers? What is real value, period, and how is it linked to our values? Is one person's R10 worth more than another's? What can we learn from domestic workers about budgeting and investing? Finally, who are the Khumalos, the Naidoos, and the Krugers…
23 Jun 2016 53 min

The Ma(i)de Sessions - Sho't Left

Bra Joe is a taxi driver and a man of God. No - he's LITERALLY a pastor. But aren't taxi drivers meant to be lawless and Godless people? Well, apparently not. According to Bra Joe, in his line of work you've really gotta pray. A LOT. Mbali and Tuliza are…
9 Jun 2016 36 min

The Ma(i)de Sessions - Introducing "Mo Money, Mo Problems!"

Our domestic workers are the waste brigade. They know the money we've used and the money we've wasted well before it leaves our bank balance. They also observe the many social pressures that come with our pursuit of more. They know the old jeans we live in, the trendy shoes…
2 Jun 2016 36 min

The Ma(i)de Sessions - Born. Free?

Mfundo's mom is a domestic worker and his dad was a taxi driver. He is a 'born free', but for him attending University has been more of a street fight than a birthright. He joins the Ma(i)de Sessions to tackle the ever-burning question: Which of us are born free?
26 May 2016 1 hr 01 min

The Ma(i)de Sessions - The Other

South Africa is a nation obsessed with 'otherness'. But what the hell is 'othering' and who is 'The Other'? We continue our chat to Sociologist, Ragi, to try to understand what domestic work tells us about our conditioning. A very ideological conversation, but an important one to begin to understand…
19 May 2016 54 min

The Ma(i)de Sessions - We. will. know. us.

Domestic work is an interesting probe into our evolution as a society. @maideproject are joined by talented and nuanced sociologist, Ragi Bashonga, for a much-needed reflective session on who, why and where we are: as Ma(i)de, as South Africans; as humans.
12 May 2016 1 hr 07 min

The Ma(i)de Sessions - The Matrix

Lindiwe Shibambo is a bit like Neo. Her strengths defy the rules of social mobility. Recently she told us her amazing South African story - kicking ass and taking names, whilst moving between socio-economic brackets with the mad skills of a ninja. Later, she's joined by two lady comrades to…
5 May 2016 1 hr 02 min

The Ma(i)de Sessions - Raising South Africans Pt 2

Lerato's mother was a domestic worker. When her and her husband died, Lerato was taken in and raised by her mother's white employers. From that day she has taken a 360 degree journey around South African identity politics. Talk about a trip. Listen in to this candid and authentic conversation…
28 Apr 2016 1 hr 30 min

The Ma(i)de Sessions - Raising South Africans Pt 1

Domestic workers play an integral role in the raising of South Africa's children. They are in many ways the co-parents of our nation. Find out what they think we may be missing as we raise future generations of South African adults.
21 Apr 2016 1 hour

The Ma(i)de Sessions - Introduction

Domestic workers and cleaners occupy a unique position in society. They are simultaneously the most ubiquitous and invisible among us. The Ma(i)de Sessions advocates that these women have the potential to be the most powerful and astute social commentators as they hold a mirror to ourselves, to our children and…
11 Apr 2016 51 min
56 – 69