The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), in collaboration with Regenesys Business School, has launched the third intake of the Women Leadership Development Programme. The event took place on Tuesday, 06 May 2025, at the Regenesys campus in Sandton. This dynamic and groundbreaking programme is designed to equip senior and middle managers with the leadership and managerial skills required to thrive in the public service sector.
The initiative focuses on empowering young and emerging women managers, providing them with the tools to develop strategic leadership abilities that will help them succeed and lead with confidence in the ever-changing environment of the public sector. The programme is set to run for six months and will cover vital areas such as leadership strategy, people management, emotional intelligence, and digitization, ensuring participants are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern workplace.
The Power of Partnerships: SASSA and Regenesys Working Together
This pivotal programme is the result of a strategic partnership between SASSA, a key player in South Africa’s social development landscape, and Regenesys Business School, an institution known for its high-quality business education. Through this collaboration, the Women Leadership Development Programme aims to provide women in leadership positions with the skills needed to excel in their roles, especially within the South African public sector.
In her keynote address, Ms. Raphaahle Ramokgopa, Acting CEO of SASSA, emphasized the importance of cultivating visionary women leaders in the public service sector. She said, “This pivotal partnership with Regenesys Business School is a catalyst in unlocking some of the chains hindering our progress in addressing the myriad of challenges facing our society.”
Core Components of the Women Leadership Development Programme
The Women Leadership Development Programme is designed with a clear focus on equipping women leaders with key skills needed to excel in their careers. The six-month curriculum is tailored to enhance leadership and managerial capabilities, and it covers several crucial areas, such as:
1. Strategic Leadership
Participants will gain insight into strategic thinking and planning. This component will help women develop the ability to create long-term strategies that align with organizational goals and broader socio-economic outcomes, ensuring they are equipped to make informed decisions for the future of their departments and organizations.
2. Emotional Intelligence
A crucial aspect of leadership, emotional intelligence enables leaders to understand, manage, and influence their own emotions and those of others. By developing their emotional intelligence, participants will learn to navigate complex social and emotional dynamics in the workplace, fostering stronger interpersonal relationships and improving communication.
3. People Management
Strong people management is essential for effective leadership. This component focuses on developing skills necessary for managing teams, enhancing productivity, and fostering a collaborative environment. Participants will learn how to lead people effectively, motivate teams, and resolve conflicts within the workplace.
4. Digitization
In today’s fast-paced world, digital tools are essential for driving operational efficiency. This component will introduce participants to the role of technology in streamlining processes within the public sector. Participants will learn about the impact of digitization and how to integrate digital solutions into their leadership roles.
5. Coaching and Mentoring
The ability to coach and mentor others is one of the most valuable skills a leader can possess. This section of the programme focuses on developing the necessary skills to guide and support others in their professional growth, ensuring that participants can pass on their knowledge to the next generation of leaders.
The Impact So Far: A Success Story of Empowerment
The Women Leadership Development Programme has already proven to be successful, with 41 women graduating from the course during the 2024/2025 financial year. Looking ahead, an additional 40 women are expected to join the programme in the 2025/2026 financial year as part of cohorts 3 and 4. Over the course of the programme, 120 women will have benefited from this leadership development initiative.
The continued success of the programme reflects the need for such initiatives to support and encourage women to take on leadership roles within the South African public sector. By empowering women with the skills, confidence, and resources they need to excel in these roles, SASSA and Regenesys are making significant strides toward achieving gender equality in leadership positions.
Participant Engagement: Building a Collaborative Learning Environment
As part of the programme’s interactive approach, Mr. Siphiwe Sakela, the programme coordinator, welcomed the new cohort of participants, urging them to provide honest and constructive feedback. “I am looking forward to your feedback. Please be as honest and frank as you can be. Your feedback is critical to us shaping this programme to your needs,” he emphasized.
In addition to this, Mr. William Vivian, Director of Corporate Education at Regenesys Business School, encouraged participants to actively challenge themselves and engage with the facilitators. “Our job is to challenge you; push the facilitators, push yourselves,” he urged, highlighting the importance of robust engagement and critical thinking throughout the programme.
This collaborative learning approach ensures that participants are not only gaining knowledge from their instructors but are also encouraged to actively shape their learning experience, contributing to the development of a more effective and tailored leadership programme.
The Importance of Women in Leadership
The Women Leadership Development Programme is a critical step towards achieving gender parity in leadership roles within the South African public sector. By focusing on the professional growth of women, SASSA and Regenesys are helping to break down the barriers that often prevent women from accessing leadership positions.
Empowering women in leadership positions is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Through this programme, SASSA and Regenesys are investing in the future of South Africa’s public service, ensuring that women leaders are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive meaningful change in their communities.
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Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future of Women Leadership in South Africa
The Women Leadership Development Programme is more than just a training initiative; it is a movement that is working to transform the future of women in leadership roles in South Africa. By continuing to provide emerging women leaders with the tools they need to succeed, this programme is helping to create a more balanced and effective public service, one that is better equipped to meet the needs of all South Africans.
With the continued support of SASSA and Regenesys, this programme will undoubtedly continue to grow, providing opportunities for even more women to develop their leadership skills and make a lasting impact in South Africa’s public sector.
