On a granular level it is easy to talk about investing in women and that true leadership is pertinent, but more action needs to be taken to create platforms for women to meet in person. The 3rd Annual, Women & Leadership in Government and State Owned Enterprises will bring leaders from all spheres of Government together to network and exchange strategies to ensure more women rise into critical leadership positions. The theme for this year’s conference is: “it’s DUE” - Develop, Unite and Empower taking place on 1 and 2 November, 2023, Cape Town.

Sudhira Sewsunker, co-founder, Pinpoint Stewards and organiser says: “We see exceptional women leaders take to the platform each year, sacrificing their time to impart their leadership skills and motivate others to raise their hand to lead. She adds: “The contribution women make to the progress of the public sector cannot be ignored, especially in how they serve their communities. We also see many professionals leaving the Government sector. Leadership will need to be succeeded by the same calibre of women and we hope a new leadership spark will be ignited at the conference to encourage more women to step-up and lead”. 

Delivering the keynote address at the 2-day conference is, Honorable Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister, Dept Of Public Works & Infrastructure, RSA, and she will share her views on Economic transformation and inclusion of women through the delivery and rolling out of bulk infrastructure services. Honourable Swarts is no stranger in demonstrating leadership. In 2005, she was appointed in the Johannesburg Roads Agency, the entity for the City of Johannesburg as the Manager of Human Development tasked with training of communities of Johannesburg. In 2016, she assisted the City of Johannesburg in monitoring the Jozi@Work programme where 100 youth where trained in various skills that include facility management, life skills and level first aid, while the programmes sow more than 10 cooperatives being formed. In 2018, appointed by Johannesburg region to serve in the REC, and later appointed as a Member of Parliament serving the International Relations Committee and SCOPA. In March 2023, she was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure by the President of the Republic.

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. Coetzee holds an Advanced Diploma and Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management. Against all odds she was also selected amongst 400 applications to attend the Professional Women's Leadership Programme in Sweden representing women and her Municipality.

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. A seasoned professional, some of her achievements include that she is a qualified Mechanical Engineer with extensive experience in management, Port equipment maintenance & repairs, Port operation, and SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality) compliance. Zuziwe is a Christian and started a foundation with her family for her late brother who died from cancer, with the intension of awareness & prevention of colon cancer.

Taking on the critical topic of building trust as a leader by giving clear direction towards a goal, is SAFCOL’s, Christelle Faul Marais who is the Group Chief Risk Officer & Exco Member. Christelle has worked at various entities with various clients across Africa in governance, risk management, ethics, compliance, business continuity, litigation, economic crime etc. Christelle’s focus is to enable Boards and EXCOs to govern risk and make informed decisions. She develops governance and risk management frameworks and serves as independent board (governing body) and committee member.

Survivor of human trafficking and UN recognised activist Grizelda Grootboom, Founder, Survivor Exit Foundation NPC, will render her life experience on sexual exploitation of women and children and bring attention to her mission to put a stop to child pornography and human trafficking. Grootboom’s accolades include: Founded and registered the NPO Survivor Exit Foundation in raising awareness on human trafficking, sex slavery and prostitution. Author of the book EXIT, which has received international acclaim. Grizelda is a SALA nominated Activist who is recognised by the UN.

The organisers have once again selected the Salvation Army and Survivor Exit Foundation as beneficiaries to 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.

Pinpoint Stewards have 20 years’ experience in research, management and arranging conferences onsite and online training platforms. They are a 100% women owned, Level 2 B-BBEE company. To sponsor a table for the conference contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za or join Pinpoint Stewards on LinkedIn.