The International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) and the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Fasset), in partnership with Duke Corporate Education (Duke CE), will this month mark the successful close-out of the IWFSA Fasset Women’s Leadership Programme (IFWLP).
This milestone event celebrates the programme’s profound impact, having successfully equipped 1,000 women leaders across the finance and accounting sector with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to drive ethical leadership, systemic change, and economic growth.
Launched in 2022, the programme combined academic excellence, mentorship, coaching, and global immersion to create a comprehensive leadership journey. Its graduates now serve in both public and private sectors, catalysing transformation across South Africa. The initiative has set a precedent for leadership development, leaving a legacy of learning and accomplishment for generations to come.
Spokesperson Quotes:

Nolitha Fakude, IWFSA President
Nolitha Fakude, IWFSA President, stated: “This milestone event celebrates the programme’s impact, having successfully equipped 1,000 women leaders across the finance and accounting sector with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to drive ethical leadership, systemic change, and economic growth.”

Khosi Bhambisa, IFWLP Alumnus and Co-Chair of the Alumni
Shirley Machaba, Leadership Development Committee Chair and Board Member, said: “The IWFSA Fasset Women’s Leadership Programme demonstrates what is possible when vision, mentorship, and partnership come together. Through this collaboration, we have built a diverse pipeline of leaders whose courage and integrity will positively shape the future of our country.”

Shirley Machaba, Leadership Development Committee Chair and Board Member
Ayanda Mafuleka, CEO of Fasset, added: “At Fasset, we recognise the pivotal role of women in the finance and accounting sector. By investing in their growth, we are not just shaping careers—we are shaping industries and the economy itself. Through IFWLP, we can truly say: when women rise, we all rise.”
Khosi Bhambisa, IFWLP Alumnus and Co-Chair of the Alumni, shared: “As a beneficiary and now co-chair of the Alumni, I have seen how transformative this programme is. It equips women with confidence, vision, and a global perspective, empowering us to lead change in our organisations and communities.”
Programme Structure and Legacy:
The programme, comprising the Executive Development Programme (EDP) and Middle Management Development Programme (MMDP), spanned 10 months and featured academic modules, expert conversations, group coaching, and one-on-one mentoring by IWFSA’s esteemed network of women leaders.
The close-out ceremony will feature a keynote by Nolitha Fakude and a panel of distinguished leaders from the sector.
About IWFSA:
IWFSA, founded in 2001 by patron Mrs Zanele Mbeki, is the South African chapter of the International Women’s Forum, a global organisation of pre-eminent women leaders. IWFSA connects leaders across the globe and shapes the leaders of tomorrow through world-class leadership development and mentorship programmes.
- Follow IWFSA: Instagram and Facebook: @IWFSA | Twitter: @IWFSA1 | LinkedIn: IWFSA Organisation
- Website: www.iwfsa.co.za
- Hashtags: #ifwlp #iwfsa #impact #1000graduates #collaboration

Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.