DEPARTMENT CHAMPIONS GENDER EQUALITY DURING PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT WEEK

By Lorato Modisenyane

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted its annual Public Service Management Week (PSMW) to evaluate progress on the Head of Department’s 8 Principle Action Plan for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality.
• This year’s session included both male and female senior managers, fostering inclusive dialogue on gender equity, and emphasised strategic efforts in empowering women and supporting people with disabilities.
• The department has been recognised by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) for its progressive Gender Action Plan and is set to participate in the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions pilot programme.

Last Friday, the Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted its annual Public Service Management Week (PSMW) at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg. The session served as a platform to assess the progress of the Head of Department’s 8 Principle Action Plan for Promoting Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality within the Public Service. It also provided an opportunity for women senior managers to account for their roles and deepen their understanding of the Department’s implementation obligations. The event fostered a more inclusive environment for senior managers and heads of institutions to share ideas, successes, and challenges in intensifying gender transformation in the workplace.

This year, the dialogue expanded to include male senior managers and heads of institutions, broadening the discussion on gender equity in the workplace. Mr. Bongani Ngomane, the Acting Head of Department, emphasised the need for intentional efforts in hiring people with disabilities and supporting women’s forums within the department. “We are here to reflect on how we are empowering women in the workplace and to identify areas for improvement. It’s crucial that we have a strategy in place to ensure gender equity,” Ngomane stated. He also highlighted the importance of including women in Supply Chain Management and advocated for a “gendered” budget, ensuring that women benefit from government tenders and building projects.

Ms. Tshidi Lethwane, a life coach and director of Kekaboentle Organisations, offered words of encouragement, urging women to be kind to themselves and others. “As leaders, be motivators and mentors. Don’t be intimidated by your subordinates; instead, recognise, train, and groom them. A solid team reflects your leadership and eases your workload,” Lethwane advised.

Ms. Jacqui Madima, Assistant Director of Human Resource Development, encouraged women to take full advantage of the training opportunities offered by the Department and to register on the National School of Governance portal. Addressing the challenge of recruiting people with disabilities, Madima acknowledged the difficulty in meeting targets due to competition with the private sector’s more attractive packages.

Leonie Van Der Merwe, Director for Gender, Youth, and Disability Mainstreaming, proudly announced that the department has been recognised by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and nominated to participate in the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions pilot programme. “The DPSA recognised Gauteng Social Development for its best practices and progressive Gender Action Plan and Implementation. It’s an honour to be the only department in the province and one of only two provinces nominated for this programme,” Van Der Merwe shared.

The Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions is an awarding programme aimed at supporting and recognising public institutions that are committed to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. The Gauteng Department of Social Development’s participation in this programme marks a significant step forward in its commitment to gender transformation and equity in the workplace.