The partnership between Wits Business School’s Executive Education and the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education Authority (FASSET) is gathering momentum.

The most recent graduation ceremony, which took place in early March, saw 350 women graduate from ‘Women in Leadership’, a programme spearheaded by FASSET and delivered by WBS.  This brings the total number of women who have graduated to 402 since its inception in 2023.

The programme aims to ignite the careers of black women in the finance and accounting sectors, providing them a rare opportunity to develop their skills and confidence as future leaders of African organisations and break through the gender barrier at boardroom level.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on 1 March, Prof Maurice Radebe, Head and Director of WBS, said: “As we strive towards the sustainable development goals, we have to remember that without inclusivity we cannot hope to achieve economic and social transformation. Inclusivity and diversity are prerequisites for long-term sustainability of our country, our continent and our world.  They are at the heart of positive societal change.”

The eight month long programme focuses on specific leadership competencies, among which are innovation and the ability to solve both organisational and societal problems; the ability to drive sustainable solutions; and to lead with purpose, integrity and accountability for the common good.

Chief Executive Officer at FASSET, Ms Ayanda Mafuleka, congratulated the graduates, saying: “We trust that you have grown in confidence in the knowledge that you can make a difference, and we look forward to seeing you pave the way for generations to come. ‘Lift as you rise’ is the philosophy we live by at FASSET, because together we can achieve a lot more.”

With hundreds more women set to go through the programme in 2024, ‘Women in Leadership’ is closing the persistent gender gap at management and executive level by instilling in delegates a sense of purpose and the confidence to further develop their leadership abilities.

“This is a partnership based on a shared vision and sense of urgency,” commented Leoni Grobler, Director of Executive Education at WBS. “Together we are having a tangible impact on the lives of hundreds of South African women and it is exciting to be part of this groundbreaking journey.”