SAIGA Hosts Inspiring Women in Leadership Breakfast Event in Collaboration with Wits Business School
In celebration of Women’s Month, the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA), in partnership with Wits Business School and the Public Sector Accountancy and Audit Academy, hosted a transformative Women in Leadership breakfast event on 16 August.
The ‘Breakfast’ aimed to empower women to assume leadership roles in entrepreneurship and corporate sector.
The morning commenced with a compelling keynote address by Deputy Minister of the Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli.
In her speech, Mhlauli highlighted the importance of women claiming their rightful place in leadership and seizing opportunities for self-development.
Following the keynote, the event transitioned into a dynamic panel discussion facilitated by media entrepreneur Varashni Pillay, founder of explain.co.za. The panel featured a lineup of accomplished women leaders who shared their insights and experiences in navigating the challenges of leadership.
The Panelists were, Yanga Mputa, Nonzuzo Makanda, Ncumisa Mkunqwana, Crystal Huntley, Millycent Mashele and Dr Thelela Ngcetane-Vika.
Ngcetane-Vika, a lecturer at the Wits School of Governance, opened the discussion by addressing the unique challenges faced by women in executive positions. She highlighted the importance of authenticity in leadership, encouraging women to lead with integrity and self-confidence.
Makanda, Audit Chairperson at Seda and Safa, stressed the value of dedication and resilience in entrepreneurship. She also reminded attendees of the importance of self-care, urging women not to neglect their well-being as they strive for success.
Mputa, Tax Ombud at the South African Tax Ombud, offered a thought-provoking perspective on the diverse paths available to women. “Not all women are called to be entrepreneurs,” she stated, “but we can all support one another in achieving success, regardless of the path we choose.”
The panel also included Mkunqwana, CEO of CHAPU and Huntley, an economist at Nedbank, who both emphasised the hard work required to succeed as women in leadership.
They discussed the realities of balancing career aspirations with personal responsibilities and the importance of hard work in achieving success.
The conversation extended to the audience, with participants sharing their own challenges and exchanging advice on overcoming obstacles in entrepreneurship, career progression and family life.
The event concluded with a presentation by Siziwe Zulu from the National Empowerment Fund, who outlined key funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs. She left attendees with a powerful message, “Focus and drive are essential for securing the resources needed to succeed.”
