Applications open soon.
Lead.
Influence.
Change.
Lead Politics
like a Woman.
Are you a woman leader in South Africa preparing to run for elected office or seeking re-election? The Women in Public Office, South Africa Programme is your opportunity to sharpen your leadership skills, build strategic networks, and gain the confidence to lead effectively in public office.
Five months. In-person.
Empowering Women Leaders in Politics
The Women in Public Office, South Africa Programme is an intensive five-month programme to address gender-specific barriers to elected political leadership. It equips women political leaders with tailored skills, resilience, networks and support to run for and hold political office effectively, regardless of their political affiliation. By focusing on pre-election, election and post-election factors that influence women's political outcomes, we work with women political leaders to increase African women running successfully for political office.
Representation matters. We are working to break down barriers and build ethical women leadership at local community and municipal levels. Despite women comprising over half of registered voters in South Africa, their representation in political leadership roles remains disproportionately low. This data highlights a significant gender gap in political leadership at the local level. While women are politically active as voters, they face systemic barriers to entering and advancing in political leadership—especially in communities and municipalities, where leadership has a direct impact on daily life.
This imbalance undermines inclusive governance and highlights the need for targeted efforts to support and elevate women in public office. This programme exists to shift that imbalance, to support women who want to lead, and to provide the support and network you need to step into power and stay there.
Who is the programme for?
Women political leaders aged 18-45 from all nine provinces within South Africa who are running for elected office, or seeking re-election in the local government elections in 2026/27.
Leadership Development
Learn how to lead with integrity, strategy, and impact in government and politics.
Campaign Skills
From public speaking to building a grassroots movement — get the tools to run and win.
Lifelong Network
Connect with a powerful community of women leaders, allies, and mentors across South Africa.
Programme Overview
Up to 100 women leaders will be selected to join the programme. The programme is held over five months, with five mandatory in-residence seminar weekends from Friday to Sunday. The programme schedule with seminar dates and venues will be communicated to shortlisted candidates. Some travel is required for those not residing in the host city. The programme gives you access to high-level guest speakers, expert facilitators, immersive simulations, strategic excursions, and group projects designed to elevate your political leadership journey.
Capstone Project: Project YOU
Take ownership of your personal story and political leadership journey. Focus solely on your leadership objective during the seminars, avoiding distractions from other ideas. Clearly articulate your goal and plan the necessary steps and milestones to achieve it.
Online and e-Learning
Futurelect’s online learning portal offers valuable course materials and pre-seminar readings to prepare you for interactive seminars. These expertly curated resources enhance understanding and stimulate discussion, ensuring meaningful participation.
“I'm incredibly grateful for this life-changing experience. I had the privilege of connecting with amazing women and forging valuable relationships. As the youngest woman in my cohort, I embraced the opportunity to learn and grow.”
- Aurora Krotoa Moses
Cost of the Programme
Upon acceptance of a place in the programme, a non-refundable, once-off enrolment fee is required. The enrolment fee can be settled in full upfront or through payment plan options that will be communicated to accepted candidates. Limited financial assistance is available for qualifying applicants to create an inclusive learning community that is accessible to all.
Application Process
The application process can take up to three months. Applications will open for 6 weeks. Once applications close, assessors will prepare for shortlisting over the next 4 weeks. Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend the assessment day, where you will engage with assessors and facilitators in interviews, group assessments and discussions.
Assessors will then select the final fellows within 1 week of assessment day.
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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