By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Johannesburg, 05 February 2026 — In a decisive move to strengthen ethical governance and institutional leadership across South Africa’s public sector, the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) and the Finance, Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) have officially launched the Women Leading in the Public Sector Programme — a high-level leadership initiative designed to build a sustainable pipeline of women leaders across all spheres of government.
The 12-month programme will support 500 women currently serving in senior leadership positions within the public sector. Fully funded by FASSET, the initiative reflects a strategic commitment to increasing the visibility, influence and long-term retention of women leaders in finance, accounting and public administration.
Building Leadership for Ethical and Effective Governance
At its core, the programme is designed to equip women leaders with advanced capabilities in strategic decision-making, ethical governance, stakeholder engagement and institutional transformation. By focusing on women already positioned to influence policy and execution, the initiative aims to translate leadership development directly into improved public sector performance.
Speaking at the launch, FASSET CEO Ms Ayanda Mafuleka CA (SA) emphasised the programme’s alignment with national development priorities.
“We look forward to equipping women leaders to drive ethical and effective governance in the public sector,” Mafuleka said.
“The Women Leading in the Public Sector programme forms part of our Strategic Development Priorities, with a specific focus on advancing women in leadership, driving inclusive growth and strengthening public sector capability.”
Strengthening Institutions Through Leadership
Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke underscored the critical link between leadership, institutional effectiveness and citizen wellbeing.
“For our country to work effectively, attain its goals and improve the lives of its citizens, we require strong public institutions,” Maluleke said.
“We all rely on the public sector daily — through services and infrastructure — and that reality should compel us to ensure it functions ethically and effectively. This programme is designed for women who are ready to lead with confidence and drive systemic change. As AGSA, we are proud to support an initiative that advances ethical and sustainable public institutions.”
A World-Class Learning Experience
Designed and delivered by Duke Corporate Education, the programme offers a rigorous and immersive learning journey. Participants will engage in monthly learning modules, leadership conversations, immersive peer learning and structured coaching, all aimed at building resilience, strategic insight and networked leadership capacity.
The African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) will lead the programme’s visibility and coaching workstreams, ensuring participants benefit from access to a national cohort of senior women leaders across the public sector.
Investing in a Sustainable Talent Pipeline
Beyond individual development, the initiative is positioned as a strategic intervention to attract, retain and grow public sector talent, particularly in finance and governance roles where leadership stability is critical. FASSET has reiterated that the programme forms part of its broader commitment to capacity building, skills development and employment growth within the public sector.
Framed as a journey of professional renewal, strategic reflection and applied public service leadership, the Women Leading in the Public Sector Programme challenges participants to deepen their leadership practice while reinforcing a shared commitment to ethical, accountable and citizen-centred governance.
As South Africa confronts complex economic and governance challenges, the AGSA–FASSET partnership signals a clear recognition that strong institutions begin with empowered, principled leaders — and that women are central to shaping the future of the public sector.
