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Women in Public Office, South Africa

The Women in Public Office, South Africa Programme is a women-centred leadership programme tailored to equip women leaders with the tools, networks, and support they need to break through the barriers in South Africa’s political and public sectors.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

This programme empowers women to overcome barriers in democratic leadership, such as underrepresentation, limited networks, and gender bias. Despite making up over half of South Africa's population, women hold less than 50% of seats in Parliament and local councils, facing stereotypes and exclusion from decision-making spaces.

The programme builds skills, confidence, and knowledge to help women lead effectively and champion inclusive governance.

45%

of South Africa's National Assembly are women.

10%

of South Africa's National Assembly are under the age of 40.

44%

of South Africa's National Council of Provinces are women.

Duration

Five months of intensive learning followed by five years of alumni engagement.

Curriculum

Five mandatory in-residence weekend seminars covering workshops, expert-led sessions, case studies, and collaborative projects.

Objectives

Enhance public purpose understanding, navigate complexities, acquire campaign skills, improve decision-making, and manage transitions into public service.

Learning Pathways and Methods of Learning

The curriculum is divided into thematic seminar weekends, which are the key learning units. The thematic seminar weekends are ordered and taught using the principles of Theory U. Each seminar weekend is further broken down into three learning paths, each comprising several modules that are completed over the course of the programme

Transformational

(personal leadership)

Transactional

(skills competency)

Systems

(political and government systems knowledge and understanding)

Who Should Apply

If you are a leader aged 18-45 from all nine provinces within South Africa, actively contributing to your community, educational institution, or profession and aspire to make a difference in government, we invite you to apply.

South's Africa nine provinces are: Gauteng, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, North West Province, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal and Free State.

This programme welcomes applicants from all sectors, regardless of previous political experience, with a commitment to the ideals of democracy and governance in South Africa.

Seminar Weekends

It is mandatory to attend all five in-residence seminars, starting Thursday and ending Sunday. Fellows must commit to attending all fiv seminars without interruption. When applying, shortlisted candidates will receive detailed communication on seminar dates and locations before accepting their place in the programme. Travel is required.

Cost of the Programme

Upon acceptance of a place in the programme, a non-refundable, once-off enrolment fee is required. This fee will be communicated to successful applicants who are offered a space in the programme.

Limited financial assistance is available for qualified applicants to create an inclusive learning community that is accessible to all.

Meet The Team

Wellington Radu

Regional Head of Programmes: Southern Africa

Gcotyelwa Jimlongo

Programmes Officer: Southern Africa

Aphile-Amanzima Mazibuko

Programmes Assistant: Southern Africa

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