FASSET:   A ground-breaking initiative aimed which aims to have one thousand graduates contributing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to the private and public sectors by 2025

By Ali Mphaki

The International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) and the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Fasset) this week announced the launch and onboarding of 475 participants who will be participating in phase 3 of the IWFSA Fasset Women’s Leadership Programme (IFWLP).

Since its inception, the programme has witnessed exponential growth, with 460 participants also scheduled to graduate from phases 1 and 2 on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.  By September 2025, the programme aims to have one thousand graduates contributing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to the private and public sectors, catalysing positive change and driving economic growth.

The programme is a ground-breaking initiative aimed at fostering ethical leadership and empowering women leaders in South Africa’s finance and accounting sector.

In 2022, IWFSA and Fasset joined forces to initiate the IWFSA Fasset Women’s Leadership Programme in collaboration with Duke Corporate Education (DukeCE). The Financial Times has ranked Duke CE as #1worldwide in custom executive education in the 2023 Executive Education Ranking. Duke CE serves as the Executive education arm of the Fuqua Business School of Duke University led by South African female, Ms Sharmla Chetty, as Global CEO of Duke CE,

With a pilot group of 65 trailblazers, the programme set a precedent for a comprehensive educational journey, designed to leave a legacy of learning and accomplishment for generations to come.

Nolitha Fakude, Chairman of Anglo American and President of IWFSA, commented, “The IWFSA Fasset Women’s Leadership Programme signifies our commitment to nurturing a diverse pipeline of women leaders who will drive systemic change and ethical leadership in our society. This collaboration underscores the importance of partnerships and empowering women to lead with integrity and resilience.”

Ayanda Mafuleka, CEO of Fasset, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “At Fasset, we recognize the pivotal role of women in the finance and accounting sector. By partnering with IWFSA, we aim to equip women leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers and contribute significantly to the economy.” Through this programme we are proud to declare that we have witnessed that “When women rise we all rise” concluded Mafuleka.

Khosi Bambisa, an alumnus of the programme and a Co-Chair of the IWFSA Fasset WLP Steering Committee , shared her perspective, “As an alumni and current co-chair of the Alumni I am privileged to witness first-hand the transformative impact of the IWFSA Fasset Women’s Leadership Programme.

Through mentorship, coaching, and global immersion experiences, participants emerge as confident leaders ready to effect positive change in their organizations and communities.”

The programme, comprising the Executive Development Programme (EDP) and the Middle Management Development Programme (MMDP), spans 10 months and features academic modules, expert conversations, group coaching, intercessions, and one-on-one mentoring by globally acclaimed women leaders. Additionally, IWFSA provides customised one on one mentorship drawn from its esteemed membership, offering personalized guidance and support to participants.

 The IWFSA, founded in 2001 by patron Mrs. Zanele Mbeki, serves as a powerful voice for women in South Africa, connecting preeminent leaders across the globe and shaping the leaders of tomorrow through world-class leadership development and mentorship programmes.

MANDELA RHODES FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP- ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

IMPACTFUL: Empowering the gems in Africa – for Africa

By Business Reporter

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Scholarship is in its 21st year, with applications for the 2025 academic year opening on 14 March 2024. Mandela Rhodes Scholar cohorts consist of a diverse group of graduates from nearly 40 countries across the African continent. The programme has grown over the years and to date almost 700 students have received MRF scholarships.

Many MRF alumni have gone on to have impactful careers, advancing the Africa envisioned by President Nelson Mandela, who wanted to ‘close the circle of history’ by founding this initiative. 

How it began

The MRF was founded in 2003 when the Rhodes Trust approached Mr Mandela with a proposal for a partnership to help redress inequalities from the past through education and leadership development opportunities for promising young leaders from across the African continent. This collaboration between the iconic leader Mr Mandela and the Rhodes Trust seemed incongruous. But the objective was clear. Mr Mandela’s message, expressed clearly in the Mandela Rhodes partnership, was for all parties from all walks of life to work together to strive for social justice. The MRF is looking for the next emerging gems in Africa, who want to use their skills and leadership qualities to serve the African continent. The scholarship offers these young leaders (aged between 19 and 29) a life-changing opportunity for personal growth, via a prestigious postgraduate scholarship and Leadership Development Programme.

‘Our programme,’ says CEO, Judy Sikuza, herself an MRF graduate (2007), ‘is built on Nelson Mandela’s belief that leadership begins with inner transformation and our founding principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship and leadership. There are many success stories from the scholarship programme, leaders who are contributing to his vision.’ Alex de Voux is one of the graduates selected for the first scholarship year in 2005, where she earned a BSc Honours in Infectious Diseases and Immunology.

After qualifying she worked as a Senior Epidemiologist for the South African Field Epidemiology Training Programme (SAFETP) and as an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer at the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In September 2019 she returned to South Africa, completed her doctorate and joined the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in Johannesburg.

She says, ‘being selected as an MRF Scholar accelerated my career growth by nurturing leadership and personal management skills. This unique mentorship, distinct from academic and research training, proved essential for effective leadership in my career. It enabled me to stay grounded and connected to colleagues, making demanding work enjoyable. I credit the MRF for instilling the value of empathetic leadership, crucial in South Africa’s diverse context, benefiting young aspiring researchers and scholars.’

How it works

The MRF provides a highly competitive postgraduate scholarship, for young African graduates to study either Honours or Masters in South Africa at a recognised public higher education institution in South Africa.

The first-year leadership development programme focuses on acquiring learning related to leadership competencies and the second-year programme, for two-year master’s students, focuses on putting that learning into practice.

‘The purpose of the MRF is to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa. To this end, we find, fund and empower young Africans who aspire to use their talents to serve their societies and our continent,’ explains Sikuza. 

The scholarship helps develop competence through 21st century leadership skills, capabilities and knowledge sets. Building courage, by developing resilience, while taking these future leaders on a journey of self-acceptance, increasing their ability to access their inner resources as they seek to make a transformative impact in the world. The graduates are supported through lifelong alumni activities, providing ongoing leadership development opportunities and a public platform for thought leadership.

Who can apply?

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is highly competitive and has stringent criteria for a student’s possible inclusion. You need to be a citizen of an African country, between the ages of 19 and 29 and, by 1 January 2025, have an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results (above 70% or upper-second class Honours) and be able to study at a postgraduate level in English.

Applications for 2025 open on 14 March and close on 21 April 2024. https://www.mandelarhodes.org/scholarship/apply/?utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=pao-apo-apply

Education is both a gift and a tool for the advancement of human development, to the benefit of all. For more information visit www.mandelarhodes.org.