On Thursday, October 9, the International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) and the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Fasset), in collaboration with Duke Corporate Education (Duke CE), commemorated the successful culmination of the IWFSA Fasset Women’s Leadership Programme (IFWLP) during a prestigious event at The Venue in Melrose Arch. This celebration recognised the programme’s outstanding achievement in empowering 1,000 women leaders within the finance and accounting sector, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to foster ethical leadership, advocate for systemic change, and stimulate economic growth.
Launched in 2022, the IFWLP has merged academic excellence, mentorship, coaching, and global immersion to construct a comprehensive leadership journey for women. Graduates of this programme now occupy influential positions in both public and private sectors, sparking transformative initiatives across South Africa. The programme sets a remarkable precedent for leadership development, creating a legacy of learning and accomplishment that will reverberate for generations to come.
The close-out ceremony featured a keynote address by Nolitha Fakude, President of IWFSA and Chair of Anglo American, alongside a distinguished panel of leaders. Participants included Irene Charnley, immediate past IWFSA President; Charmaine Houvet, immediate past Leadership Development Committee Chair; Lesego Sennelo, immediate past IWFSA Board Member and Treasurer; Angie Naidoo, Managing Director of Duke Corporate Education; Dr. Mampho Modise, Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and an IFWLP alumna; and Shiphra Chisha, member of the IWFSA Leadership Development Committee.
Shirley Machaba, Chair of the Leadership Development Committee and Board Member, highlighted the programme’s significance: “The IWFSA Fasset Women’s Leadership Programme demonstrates what is possible when vision, mentorship, and partnership come together. Through this collaboration, we have built a diverse pipeline of leaders whose courage and integrity will positively shape the future of our country.”
Ayanda Mafuleka, CEO of Fasset, emphasised the crucial role of women in the finance and accounting sectors. “At Fasset, we recognise that investing in women’s growth goes beyond shaping careers—it shapes industries and the economy as a whole. Through IFWLP, we affirm that when women rise, we all rise,” she stated.
Khosi Bhambisa, an IFWLP alumna and Co-Chair of the Alumni, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme’s transformative potential. “As a beneficiary and now co-chair of the Alumni, I have seen how transformative this programme is. It equips women with confidence, vision, and a global perspective, empowering us to lead change in our organisations and communities,” she remarked.
The programme, consisting of both the Executive Development Programme (EDP) and Middle Management Development Programme (MMDP), spans 10 months and incorporates academic modules, expert discussions, group coaching, and one-on-one mentoring facilitated by IWFSA’s esteemed network of women leaders.
Founded in 2001 by Mrs Zanele Mbeki, IWFSA serves as a powerful voice for women in South Africa, connecting preeminent leaders globally and shaping tomorrow’s leaders through exceptional leadership development and mentorship programmes.
Pictures: Supplied