Every leader in history has stood on the shoulders of their followers for their success but without strong leadership traits, direction, active implementation, monitoring and many other factors, leaders will fail.

The 3rd Annual, Women & Leadership in Government and State Owned Enterprises conference will bring women leaders from all spheres of Government under one roof.  Women taking to the podium and in attendance will share strategies to ensure women are recognized for their leadership contribution towards building South Africa economically as they serve.  Develop, Unite and Empower is the theme for this year’s conference taking place on 1 and 2 November, in Somerset West. 

Sudhira Sewsunker, co-founder, Pinpoint Stewards and organiser says: “Headlines are tainted with officials being corrupt, investigated under enquiry etc., costing the country and their people trillions. Talks of a failed state is threatening the livelihoods of our people and unless leaders are developed and put in place to root out this evil, the only change we will see is for the worse. She adds: but it seems more and more South Africans are saying “no more” and putting their voices behind positive change as we lead up to elections. Political muscles are being flexed but just maybe the answer is to elect more women to lead.”

The organisers are motivating the Private Sector to invest in Government leaders by supporting the event by hosting a table at the conference and ensure more women are groomed into leadership positions.

Reputable women in leadership who will be speaking during the two-day conference are: Honorable Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister, Dept of Public Works & Infrastructure, RSA, will be the keynote address and she will share the vision for economic transformation and inclusion of women through the delivery and rolling out of bulk infrastructure services. Adding to the call for more women to lead is South Africa’s, Shadow Minister for Social Development, Bridget Masango will be deliberating on the massive contribution of women in all sectors and how they can change the narrative.  

Lt Gen Khosi Senthumule, Divisional Commissioner Detective and Forensic Services (DDG), SAPS, will be presenting on becoming an effective government leader by knowing how to stay cool under pressure and tackle challenges head on. Deputy Executive Mayor, Overberg District Municipality and Provincial SWC Chair, Helen Coetzee, will provide a roadmap on taking charge of your career development when transitioning from colleague to leader.

Wendy Kaizer-Philander, Chief Whip, Western Cape Provincial Parliament will share how she has made relationship building her key competency by connecting at all levels, and working through conflict to build a spirit of cooperation. Zuziwe Mjongile-Dumile, Technical Manager, Transnet Port Terminal - Cape Town, will be addressing, what mentorship is and what it’s not - towards shaping and uplifting more women into leadership roles. Building trust as a leader by giving clear direction towards a goal will be discussed by SAFCOL’s, Christelle Faul Marais who is the Group Chief Risk Officer & Exco Member.

During women’s month many women and children were added to the statistics of murder, rape violence etc. and one big voice fighting a relentless fight against sexual exploitation of women is Grizelda Grootboom, Founder, Survivor Exit Foundation NPC, she is a survivor of human trafficking and UN recognised activist who will share and render her life experience on sexual exploitation of women and children. To support her cause, the organisers have once again selected the Survivor Exit Foundation and Salvation Army and as beneficiaries of the conference to support their efforts against human trafficking and sexual exploitation of women. A percentage of profits will be donated to each of these causes.

Registrations close on 13 October. Pinpoint Stewards are a 100% women owned, Level 2 B-BBEE company. To sponsor a table, speak or partner for the conference contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za and join Pinpoint Stewards on LinkedIn.