FROM BURSARY TO PUBLISHED SCHOLAR: HOW DSD EMPOWERED ONE WOMAN’S ACADEMIC JOURNEY

By Precious Mupenzi.

In a world where balancing work, studies, and family often feels like an impossible equation, Yolandy Klein proves that with determination, support, and purpose, women can indeed have it all. Her story is not just one of personal success, but a reflection of what becomes possible when institutions like the Department of Social Development (DSD) invest intentionally in the empowerment of women through education and opportunity.

This August, as South Africa commemorates Women’s Month under the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All,” the Department celebrates Klein’s remarkable journey. Women’s Month 2025 marks the 69th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March and 30 years since the first official National Women’s Day. The observance recognises the critical role women play in shaping inclusive and sustainable economic development.

From a small town in the Northern Cape to national public service and academic recognition, Klein’s path exemplifies the transformative power of investing in women’s potential. Her story aligns with the broader national agenda of empowering women to drive change, strengthen governance, and build a capable, ethical, and accountable state.

Today, Klein serves as Branch Coordinator in the Financial Management Services Branch of the national DSD, a role she fulfils with diligence, purpose, and the strategic insight of a seasoned professional. She coordinates and supports Branch operations by managing planning, performance reporting, administrative processes, and facilitating communication across teams, while also providing overall office management support to the Branch Head.

But her journey did not begin in boardrooms or policy discussions. It began in the quiet town of Noupoort, Northern Cape, where a young girl was raised in a close-knit community, grounded by the principles of compassion, hard work, and social justice.

“My mother, Ms Katriena Steenkamp, taught me that success isn’t about where you start, it’s about how determined you are to finish,” she says. “She and my late father instilled in me the values of integrity, empathy, and perseverance.”

With these values guiding her path, Yolandy began her public service career in 2004 at the South African Police Service and went on to serve in the Gauteng Treasury and SASSA before joining DSD in 2016. Armed with a National Diploma in Administrative Management (Financial) when she arrived at DSD, she had one goal: to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

That goal evolved and deepened over time, ultimately inspiring her to pursue her studies by completing her Bachelor of Business Administration in 2020, followed by a Master’s degree in Public Administration, funded through DSD’s bursary programme.

“The Department didn’t just invest in my studies, it invested in my growth, my confidence, and my voice,” she says. “It gave me the space to conduct meaningful research, and for that, I am truly grateful.”

She completed her Masters in 2023 and graduated in 2024. Her research focused on internal controls within the Supply Chain Management function, an area where she had observed the AGSA reported several control deficiencies for consecutive years.
“I was determined to explore the weaknesses in the system and provide recommendations that will make an immense contribution to best practices in the Department,” she explains.

The study’s findings, based on 2023 data, led to actionable recommendations, some of which have already been implemented. Most notably, the SCM policy was updated and formally approved in 2025.

But Klein’s ambitions did not stop at research. She was encouraged by her academic supervisor, Professor Tyanai Masiya from the University of Pretoria, to turn her work into a peer-reviewed publication. What followed was a journey filled with revisions, self-doubt, discovery, and ultimately, triumph.
“Publishing my first academic article was more than just a professional milestone, it was a journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery,” she reflects. “Every piece of feedback sharpened my academic skills and made me a better thinker, writer, and leader.”

With support from the School of Public Management and Administration, University of Pretoria and DSD, Klein’s paper, co-authored with Professor Masiya and Dr Stellah Lubinga, was published in 2024. The article titled “Implementation of internal controls in supply chain management – A case study” contributed to a growing body of knowledge aimed at strengthening governance in the public sector.
You can read her published article here: https://lnkd.in/dumy3bXF

For women aspiring to follow a similar path, Yolandy offers heartfelt advice. “Believe in the originality of your work. Publishing your first article takes resilience, embrace feedback, celebrate every milestone, and always practice self-care. You’re contributing something valuable to the world.”

Balancing her full-time role, postgraduate studies, and motherhood was no easy feat. “Time management was non-negotiable,” she says. “I mapped out study schedules around our peak finance periods, studied in the early mornings and on weekends, and leaned on the support of family, friends and colleagues.”
Now, she is considering pursuing a PhD in Public Administration, with the focus on strengthening public procurement governance. “There’s still so much to contribute. I want to help build a more capable, ethical, and accountable state, and guide future public servants along the way.”

To her, Women’s Month is more than just a commemorative moment. “It’s a celebration of the women who came before us and a call to action to keep pushing for an inclusive, equitable society,” she says. “Every woman should know, your work, your voice, and your presence matter.”

As she reflects on her journey, from a small town in the Northern Cape to the corridors of national policy and academic journals, Yolandy remains committed to service.

“I want to break generational barriers and be a symbol of what’s possible. I hope young girls see my story and realise that they too can rise, lead, and leave a legacy.”

Her story is not only a celebration of academic excellence and professional integrity, it is a shining example of what happens when women are given the space to lead, learn, and inspire.