THE BULLETIN
SALGA IN ACTION
EMPOWERING WOMEN LEADERS THROUGH STRATEGIC TRAINING A short course for women aims to promote diversity, unleash female leadership potential and raise their profiles in local government, writes Denise Mahlangu
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VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
SALGA35_Women.indd 52
Mercia Colbert
GREAT VALUE AND POSITIVE EFFECTS Among the LGWLDP participants is Bea Campbell-Cloete, councillor at Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality in North West province. She says the programme is an amazing learning experience and a must for the career advancement of women leaders in both the public and private sectors. Often, women in leadership positions tend to become focused on the work at hand, resulting in great opportunities passing them by. “This programme has helped me to find my voice again and I am richer for the learning experiences so far. I am connected to like-minded women leaders countrywide who are always ready to advise and inspire others,” says Campbell-Cloete. Already, several participants have reported that their line managers have remarked on the positive behavioural changes and practices in the workplace, accrediting these shifts to the value derived from the programme. “We believe that the benefits of this programme can have far-reaching positive effects, and not just within the local government space. We anticipate a positive impact on South African society as a whole if we continue to roll this out for the next few years,” adds Colbert. ▪
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
or the first time, the South African Local Over 400 applications were received, 83 were Government (SALGA) is offering a short accepted, and those participants are now close course in leadership development for to completing Module 2. However, due to women through the University of Cape personal or work challenges, not all participants Town (UCT). The Local Government Women will complete all the deliverables – currently, 76 Leadership Development Programme (LGWLDP) participants remain. is registered as a skills programme with LGSETA (Local Government Sector Education and PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Training Authority). The comprehensive programme is designed The nine-month-long programme as a journey of personal, interpersonal and commenced in January 2021 with completion organisational transformation for both councillors scheduled for the end of September, says and managers, explains Colbert. Participants Mercia Colbert, municipal learning and are challenged to engage at all three levels to development officer. develop personal agency, increased “The programme is an capacity and ongoing resilience. empowerment tool for The programme consists women in leadership of accredited coursework, positions and it further personal coaching, highlights their profiles mentoring, webinars and in local government. masterclasses, as well as It also aims to groom peer network support. aspirant leaders, The accredited promote diversity and element of the LGWLDP unleash leadership comprises three modules: potential in women to emotional intelligence Bea Campbell-Cloete build and sustain a pipeline and leading in the public of effective women leaders.” sector; ethical leadership Colbert explains that the and innovative practice for the programme development began in 2019 and public sector; and people-centred is implemented by UCT’s Nelson Mandela leadership in the public sector. School of Public Governance and Zenande Learning is online due to COVID-19 Leadership Consulting. and participants were introduced to To qualify, participants need to be in the the platform in November 2020. local government sector in a management Participants work independently with their or elected position of leadership with the coaches and mentors, and engage course highest educational qualification being Grade content through pre-readings, videos and 12. Additionally, they should have five years’ podcasts as well as weekly live sessions. A experience in local government. Participants can Portfolio of Evidence is required for external also apply for a Recognition of Prior Learning assessment, and successful participants will be to ensure equal opportunities for delegates, accredited with the relevant certification from among other requirements. the LGSETA and UCT.
ISSUE 35
2021/06/30 6:56 PM
