‘Sister, We Are Grateful These People Didn't Kill You'

Thuli Madonsela has spent seven years talking truth to power. It has won her few friends in high places, but many across the continent who see her stand against corruption as inspiring and refreshing. FORBES AFRICA has named her our Person of the Year. We called on her at home for the inside story of her last tumultuous days in office.

- Tsidi Bishop

​What the judges said

"We feel Thuli Mandonsela is a woman of substance who has inspired many people across Africa with her stand for the rule of law and against corruption. In seven years of hard work, she has spoken truth to power and helped keep the people running her country accountable. A difficult job she carried out with professionalism and integrity."

Her polite, welcoming, voice would make anyone feel at home. It is strange to see Thuli Madonsela – the towering advocate woman who has taken flak from politicians for years – at home, relaxed and flanked by her family. She ushers me into the lounge. We sit next to an open patio door, facing a cluster of colorful trees, with a welcome breeze easing this sweltering summer’s day. Every bit of furniture matches her unpretentious nature. African paintings on the walls; each ornament holds a story about her travels across the continent.

She looks good for a person who has just left office, in her own words, followed by missiles. Her biggest case so far has caused ructions – the so called state capture report. She was investigating allegations made by South Africa’s Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas that he was a offered the job of Finance Minister by the billionaire Gupta family that has opened a can of worms.