The "Envision Your Future: Futurelect Women in Political and Public Leadership" webinar on 10 September 2024 was an inspiring session dedicated to empowering women in leadership roles within the political and public sectors. Special guest: Malebo Kobe, a Futurelect Women in Public Office, South Africa alumna from the 2023/24 cohort, recently made history as a newly elected Member of Parliament in South Africa and the youngest at 32. Malebo shared her transformative journey from the Futurelect Programme to Parliament, offering invaluable insights into the challenges women face in politics.
Malebo, who holds a master's degree in International Relations from Chulalongkorn University, has worked in the Gauteng Premier's office and founded the Go Malebo Foundation to support child-headed households. During the webinar, Malebo emphasised the barriers posed by a male-dominated perception of leadership and the internal obstacles, such as self-doubt and societal expectations, that hinder women's participation in leadership roles. Malebo’s experience with Futurelect empowered her to confront these challenges confidently and embrace her new role.
The session, hosted by Gcotyelwa Jimlongo, Futurelect’s Southern Africa Public Leadership Programme Officer and Wellington Radu, Regional Head of Programmes for Southern Africa, explored key topics like leadership development and leveraging networks for positive change. Malebo's insights highlighted the significant impact of the Futurelect Women in Public Office, South Africa Programme, which equips women with the tools, networks, and support necessary to excel in public service.

Images: Screenshots of the live webinar on 10 September 2024 featuring Futurelect Alumna Malebo Kobe (2023/4 cohort) and Futurelect’s Southern Africa Public Leadership Programme Officer Gcotyelwa Jimlongo.