Women are still underrepresented in terms of occupying senior leadership roles and becoming part of decision-making in business, politics, and communities. These disparities between men and women within the corporate world still persist.

To address these shortcomings, the Central University of Technology has acknowledged the gaps and taken various steps to develop female leaders for the future. About two and a half years ago, CUT introduced the Next Generation Women in Leadership (nGenWiL) programme to develop and mould the leaders of tomorrow.

Through this programme the University aims to establish a pool of high-performing women employees and offer development and support to enable them to gain the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to equally compete for leadership roles as they become vacant. 

On 08 July 2022, a closing mentorship session was held to celebrate and congratulate a two-and-a-half-year development journey that these brave women started. Through this journey, they undertook various workshops, mentorship, and formal academic qualifications, such as a master’s, a doctorate, or a leadership qualification, whilst maintaining performance in their primary roles.  Some applied for and obtained senior leadership roles within the university whilst still in the programme.

“To the women who undertook this journey, we congratulate you on your academic and professional success. It was not an easy task, but you made it. This is only a part of your story, keep on learning and make sure that you go further and conquer. We encourage you to pursue and apply for senior executive opportunities as they arise,” said the acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Alfred Ngowi.

When sharing her inspirational story of how she got to be where she is today, Dr Sally Dzingwa, CUT Registrar said that the trials and tribulations encountered should not determine the outcome of where a person wants to be in life. She said that the only way to disrupt the status quo is if one engages in the changes that they want to see happening. “I am so happy that you took a stand and said you can lead, that you are ready, determined, and can do it. The more women participate in this, the more we will see a change in the disparities, inequalities, and social norms. This is a journey, continue and never stop learning.”

Caption

Back row: nGeWiL programme candidates from left is Prof. Freda van der Walt, Ms Somari van Heerden, Dr Ntsoaki Malebo, Ms Edith Sempe, Dr Reynell van der Ross, Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, Ms Refilwe Moleane, Dr Laurika van Straaten and Mr Tumelo Seseane from Risk Management and Strategic Projects Office.

Front row: Ms Mpho Letsoara, Deputy Director: Human Resources Specialist Services, Dr Gary Paul, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Resources and Operations, Dr Sally Dzingwa, CUT Registrar, as well as Prof. Alfred Ngowi, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

Uploaded: 18 July 2022