As the public protector's term comes to an end, the question on everyone's lips is, what next?
In an interview with investigative journalist Mandy Wiener in Marie Claire magazine's August issue, the feature entitled: 'The People's Protector', Madonsela shares her fears, how the job has changed her and what comes next for the woman who embodies the fight against corruption.
The Constitutional Court described Madonsela's office as 'an embodiment of a biblical David', 'one of the most invaluable constitutional gifts to our nation' and 'one of the true crusaders and champions of anti-corruption and clean governance'
During her term as public protector, Madonsela dropped political bombshells in her barely audible monotone: it is said she 'whispers' truth to power.
When she leaves Public Protector House in October, Madonsela plans to take a 15-month sabbatical, during which she'll teach, do research and write her memoirs.
She'll then return to practice law, teach, write and participate in 'a vibrant society, building democracy and building social justice'.
She's also busy designing fabric. 'I've been working on something traditional: like how Burberry looked at Scottish tradition, I'm looking at my Swazi heritage."
She flatly rules out a future in politics or the prospect of President Madonsela.
Wiener also looks at how Madonsela has overhauled the public view of the office and asks: She changed the job. But did the job change her?
To which Madonsela replies: "If there is one thing I've learned it is that wrong things are not done by bad people. Good people do wrong things. It seems to me that when people feel their back is against the wall, whatever the reasons, even if they're the wrong reasons, good people do extremely terrible things."