Women Leading in the Public Sector programme launches to give women leaders a competitive edge

The Finance, Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) is proud to partner with the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) to launch a prestigious Women Leading in the Public Sector programme aimed at developing a sustainable public sector pipeline of women leaders across all spheres of the public sector.

The programme is targeted at 500 women who already occupy senior leadership positions in the public sector, to foster integrity, accountability, and the capacity to lead institutional transformation. Fully funded by FASSET as part of its priorities to increase the visibility of women leaders in the Finance and Accounting sector, the 12-month high-level Women Leading in the Public Sector programme is tailored for women in senior management roles with a focus on strategic decision-making, ethical governance, stakeholder engagement, and transformative leadership. The programme is designed to give women leaders in the public sector a competitive edge and drive talent attraction to ensure long-term talent retention a sustainable talent pipeline in public sector institutions.

Speaking at the launch, FASSET CEO, Ms Ayanda Mafuleka CA (SA) said, “We look forward to being able to equip women leaders to drive ethical and effective governance in public sector. The Women Leading in the Public Sector programme is part of our Strategic Development Priorities (SDPs), with a specific focus on advancing women in leadership, driving inclusive growth, and enabling public sector capability.”

“For our country to work effectively, attain its goals and improve the lives of its citizens we require strong public institutions. All of us interface with the public sector in our daily lives as citizens, whether through services or the public infrastructure we make use of, we are all reliant on the public sector. This understanding should compel us all to do our part to ensure that we have an effective public sector.  This programme is designed for women who are ready to lead with confidence to drive systemic change, as the AGSA we are proud of this programme’s efforts to advance ethical and sustainable public institutions,” says Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke.

Designed by Duke Corporate Education, programme participants will engage in monthly modules, leadership conversations, immersive peer learning, and structured coaching to build capability, resilience, and networked leadership. The African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) will lead the programme’s visibility and coaching workstreams ensuring participants have access to a national cohort of senior women leaders from across the public sector.

FASSET remains committed to capacity building in public sector finance to advance employment, development and grow skills required in the sector. The learning experience is designed as a journey of professional renewal, strategic reflection, and applied public service leadership. Participants will be expected to challenge themselves and those around them, as they deepen their leadership practice and commitment to ethical public service.