New programme to empower women in local government

The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has partnered with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and Zenande Leadership Consulting to create a unique Local Government Women’s Leadership Development Programme.

The inaugural eight-month leadership development programme – targeted at women leaders whose sphere of influence and focus is local governance – will run from April 2020 until November 2020.

This comprehensive leadership programme aims to build women councillors’ and managers’ personal agency, capacity, resilience and solidarity to ensure that they are empowered and equipped with the requisite skills and competencies to advance transformation and make a genuine, positive, lasting difference in the local government space.

“South Africa needs leadership that is committed, skilled and is enthusiastic about tackling the many complex challenges local government is facing,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng.

“The Local Government Women’s Leadership Development Programme at the University of Cape Town is all about leading – and being – the change. UCT is proud to present this programme and, through it, to be at the forefront of empowering and connecting women who are changing the local government space. I am personally excited to be involved with and to be supporting this dynamic programme.”

Programme content and curriculum

In joining the programme, women will deepen their leadership journey through accessing exceptional leadership and professional development content and personalised support, and join a powerful and nurturing network of change-makers across the country.

The programme content and curriculum has been designed on the basis of a detailed needs analysis conducted on women in the local government sphere, and aligned to the SALGA Leadership Competency Framework, which focuses on the following four competency sets: Leading Self, Setting Direction, Stakeholder Engagement and Delivering Service.

Programme content is oriented on the core themes of self-mastery, ethical leadership, innovative practice, collaboration and communication. These are interwoven throughout each of the programme elements, which include an accredited short course, personalised coaching, mentorship and peer network support, and a series of webinars.

How to apply

Anyone fitting the target audience and meeting the programme requirements can apply. Applications are open from 20 January 2020 to 7 February 2020.

Complete an online application form and upload supporting documents or download a copy of the application form on the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance website and submit the completed form, along with your CV, as well as certified copies of your qualifications, to WomenInLeadership@uct.ac.za.

For more information, contact programme manager Hannah Diaz on 021 650 1459.