The International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) and the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Fasset), in partnership with Duke Corporate Education (Duke CE), will mark the close-out of the IWFSA Fasset Women’s Leadership Programme (IFWLP) this month.

This milestone event celebrates the programme’s impact, having successfully equipped 1,000 women leaders across the finance and accounting sector with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to drive ethical leadership, systemic change, and economic growth.

 Launched in 2022, the programme has combined academic excellence, mentorship, coaching, and global immersion to create a comprehensive leadership journey. Its graduates now serve in both public and private sectors, catalysing transformation across South Africa. The initiative has set a precedent for leadership development, leaving a legacy of learning and accomplishment for generations to come.

 The close-out ceremony will feature a keynote by Nolitha Fakude, President of IWFSA and Chair of Anglo American, as well as a panel of distinguished leaders including Irene Charnley, immediate past IWFSA President, IWF board member, patron of IFWLP; Charmaine Houvet, immediate past Leadership Development Committee Chair and Board Member; Lesego Sennelo, past IWFSA Board Member and Treasurer; Angie Naidoo, Managing Director of Duke Corporate Education; Dr. Mampho Modise, Deputy Governor, South African Reserve Bank and IFWLP Alumnus, and Shiphra Chisha, IWFSA Leadership Development Committee Member.

 Shirley Machaba, Leadership Development Committee Chair and Board Member, said: "The IWFSA Fasset Women’s Leadership Programme demonstrates what is possible when vision, mentorship, and partnership come together. Through this collaboration, we have built a diverse pipeline of leaders whose courage and integrity will positively shape the future of our country."

 Ayanda Mafuleka, CEO of Fasset, added: "At Fasset, we recognise the pivotal role of women in the finance and accounting sector. By investing in their growth, we are not just shaping careers—we are shaping industries and the economy itself. Through IFWLP, we can truly say: when women rise, we all rise."

 Khosi Bhambisa, IFWLP Alumnus and Co-Chair of the Alumni, shared: "As a beneficiary and now co-chair of the Alumni, I have seen how transformative this programme is. It equips women with confidence, vision, and a global perspective, empowering us to lead change in our organisations and communities."

 The programme, comprising the Executive Development Programme (EDP) and Middle Management Development Programme (MMDP), spans 10 months and features academic modules, expert conversations, group coaching, and one-on-one mentoring by IWFSA’s esteemed network of women leaders.

IWFSA was founded in 2001 by patron Mrs. Zanele Mbeki, serves as a powerful voice for women in South Africa, connecting preeminent leaders across the globe and shaping the leaders of tomorrow through world-class leadership development and mentorship programmes.

 The International Women’s Forum (“IWF”) is a global organisation of pre-eminent women of significant and diverse achievement who come together across national and international boundaries, to share knowledge, exchange ideas and inspire each other to promote better leadership for a changing world. 

IWFSA is the SA chapter of the International Women’s Forum (“IWF”), a global network of over 8,000 members across 76 Forums in 33 countries. Our core objectives are to nurture and develop a pipeline of the next generation of women leaders through targeted Leadership Development programmes, mentoring and coaching.