SASSA IGNITES TRANSFORMATION WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THE EASTERN CAPE

By Sophia Manamela

• The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has launched its National Women in Leadership Development Programme in the Eastern Cape, aiming to empower women in middle and senior management roles through personal development, strong personal branding, academic achievement, and leadership excellence.
• The programme, celebrated for its transformative impact on participants, has received praise from women leaders like Ms. Rusi Novukela and Ms. Masiza, who shared their personal growth stories, emphasising the programme’s role in enhancing self-awareness, communication, and leadership skills.
• SASSA CEO Ms. Busisiwe Memela-Khambula highlighted the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and interdepartmental collaboration, announcing a R3.3 million investment in women’s empowerment to foster a thriving, supportive environment within the organisation.

In a bold step towards women’s empowerment and growth, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) recently launched its National Women in Leadership Development Programme in the Eastern Cape. This initiative aims to unlock the potential of women in middle and senior management roles, providing them with a platform to excel through personal development, building a strong personal brand, academic achievement, and leadership excellence.

Ms. Zodwa Mvulane, Regional Executive Manager for North West and Limpopo, passionately shared the vision behind the programme, highlighting the unique strengths that women bring to leadership. She emphasised that their nurturing nature not only fosters individual success but also builds a supportive network within the organisation.

“Our mission is to cultivate leaders who inspire and uplift those around them,” Ms. Mvulane declared. She underscored the programme’s ability to make women feel truly valued and supported, encouraging them to engage wholeheartedly and seize every opportunity. Her closing remarks were a call to action: to build meaningful connections, embrace unexpected opportunities, and commit to delivering exceptional value in their professional roles.

The event featured powerful testimonials from women who have benefited from the programme, including Ms. Rusi Novukela, who shared her transformative journey and the significant impact the programme has had on her career. Her story, among others, demonstrated the remarkable success and personal growth the programme promotes. Ms. Novukela commended the exceptional leadership of SASSA’s CEO, Ms. Busisiwe Memela-Khambula, stating that it was a great privilege for the women in the organisation. She reflected on how the programme had been a transformative experience, greatly enhancing her self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and communication abilities.

Ms. Masiza confidently took the stage, wearing her academic regalia and beaming with pride. She spoke about the incredible opportunities the programme had provided her, such as a life-changing trip to India. She fondly recalled meeting Ms. Memela at the airport, where she introduced herself with enthusiasm and gratitude.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Masiza urged her fellow SASSA women to step out of their comfort zones. She recounted how the trip to India inspired her to propose several key recommendations for the agency, such as expanding telecommunications access for grant beneficiaries, promoting financial inclusion, and improving literacy across the country. Her message was clear: embrace new challenges and use these experiences to drive meaningful change.

Addressing the ongoing challenges faced by women at all levels, SASSA CEO Ms. Busisiwe Memela-Khambula emphasised the critical need for inclusivity and support for women within the organisation. With a renewed commitment to diversity, she highlighted that increasing the number of women in leadership roles directly correlates with greater opportunities for the agency. To support this initiative, a significant investment of R3.3 million has been allocated to women’s empowerment programmes, ensuring that all SASSA regions receive R300,000 to cultivate talent and foster growth. This funding aims to break down barriers and create an environment where women can thrive, thereby strengthening the organisation as a whole.

Furthermore, the Women in Leadership Development Programme was identified as a key factor in fostering a collaborative culture through ongoing initiatives such as Change Management and SASSA Fridays. These programmes are designed to inspire individuals to connect and openly support each other. The CEO emphasised that guiding and coaching those around us does not require substantial resources; rather, it requires a dedication to uplifting one another and countering negativity.

With heartfelt emotion, Ms. Memela shared her vision of leaving a legacy through the Women Leadership Programme and other initiatives launched during her tenure. She stressed the need to achieve significant results with the limited time left for her in the agency, urging the organisation to act swiftly and with agility.

Her passionate call for dynamic action was met with laughter and nods of agreement as she humorously remarked, “We do not have ‘va va voom’.” In conclusion, she commended the women involved in making the programme a success, encouraging them to embrace their roles as pioneers and trailblazers who will shape the future of the organisation.

SASSA’s National Women in Leadership Development Programme is more than just a developmental tool—it is a beacon of inspiration, driving women to reach new heights and lead with confidence and purpose. The programme marks the beginning of a dedicated initiative to empower and elevate exceptional women who will drive the future success of SASSA. It represents a commitment to fostering leadership, breaking down barriers, and inspiring a new wave of trailblazers.