Women in leadership positions should strive to be role models for younger women coming up through the ranks, always standing for ethics and integrity. This was the message from top women leaders who spoke at an event hosted by the North-West University (NWU) Business School to mark the conclusion of Women’s Month.
The celebration of women in leadership, with a particular focus on women shaping the public sector with courage and integrity, was held at the Mahikeng Protea Hotel on 29 August.
The keynote speaker was Advocate Dineo Innolentia Mongwaketse, the first female municipal manager of Mahikeng Local Municipality and a proud MBA alumnus of the NWU Business School. "Lead authentically, remain grounded, and never underestimate the power of your presence in spaces that were never built with you in mind,” she said.
Stand up for what is right
A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, expertly facilitated by Dr Mmabatho Mfikwe, an MBA and PhD alumnus of the Business School. The panel explored the ethical dilemmas women face in government leadership roles and how to build a culture of integrity in the public sector by always fighting against corruption and unethical practices.
Dr Mfikwe was joined by leaders from various spheres. They included Dr Lungile Ntsizwane, manager for accreditation and internationalisation at the NWU Business School, Ipeleng Matlabe, a communicator from the North West Department of Public Works, and Dr Dorcas Lesenyeho, a senior lecturer at the NWU.
Each panellist brought powerful insights and lived experiences, emphasising that ethical leadership is not optional but essential for a better province, country and continent. Their message was that building ethical institutions is lighter work when women in leadership work together and show common commitment to ethical leadership.
The message of support and vote of thanks was delivered by Prof Martha Matashu, director of the School of Commerce and Social Studies in Education, who voiced appreciation for women who look out for each other, becoming their “sisters’ keepers” and not pulling other women down.
“The women of the NWU Business School community are not just participants in leadership, they are pioneers of ethical, transformative change,” she said.
Prof Matashu closed the evening with a quote: “Right is right, even if no one is doing it. Wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it.”
From left are Philadelphia Sedio, lecturer, Dr Lungile Ntsizwane, manager for accreditation and internalisation; Dr Dorcas Lesenyego, senior lecturer, Mbali Skosana, senior liaison officer, Adv Dineo Mongwaketse, municipal manager of the Mahikeng Local Municipality, Ipeleng Matlabe, communicator at the North West Department of Public Works, Dr Mmabatho Mfikwe, NWU alumnus; Dr Joany Fransman, head of academic operations and quality, and Prof Martha Matashu, director of the School of Commerce and Social Studies in Education.
