Bult - University of the Free State

Many a formidable woman has graced, and
continues to grace, our planet. Women like
Charlotte Maxeke, the first black woman
in South Africa to obtain a degree. Mary
Fitzgerald, the first woman on the City
Council of Johannesburg. Miriam Makeba.
Helen Suzman. Your granny. My mom.
Ladies we call our best friends. Everyone
leaves a legacy. Sisterhood is alive and
well, and at Kovsies they are empowering
women. Appreciating them. Developing
their potential. By Cindé Mostert. fusion
The leading edge
The University of the Free State the School of
Management, now ten years old, is proud to present
a programme called Creating leadership and personal
capacity in women*, which was developed by thinking
fusion on request of Danie Jacobs of the Centre for
Business Dynamics. They also developed Leadership
in the connection economy, as well as Leading: A
programme for executives. All three programmes are
registered on NQF Level 6 with a value of 42 credits
that are recognised for the B. Degree in Business
Leadership offered at Kovsies, or any other relevant
qualification at other tertiary institutions.
Danie requested Dr René Uys and Harry van der Merwe
of thinking fusion, to write a programme that not only
aids women (managers) to develop fully as leaders,
but a programme that also adapts the leadership
culture of the organisation to meet the demands
of the connection economy. “René and Harry wrote
phenomenal programmes,” Danie explains, barely able
to contain his enthusiasm.
“One must realise,” they say, “that these are
programmes for people in management positions.
And more specifically, it is leadership programmes.
Leadership involves behaviour, which needs to be
acquired. Accordingly, the programme is presented for
16 days spread over a period of seven months. People
*Programme image
actually have the opportunity to practise and apply what
they have learnt.”
René is of the opinion that organisations take a major
decision when they choose to present one of the
programmes. Not only in financial terms, but also
because the newly learnt skills of the leaders, will most
certainly have an impact on the existing leadership
culture of the organisation. “A positive impact, certainly!
But change is inevitable.” Large organisations like
Sasol, FNB, Momentum, FET Colleges, Vodacom,
Kumba Iron Ore, SA Post Office, Free State Department
of Education and Sita have to date realised the value of
these programmes.
René explains, “The philosophy behind the programmes
is to develop the individual as well as the organisation.
That’s why we work with groups of 20-30 from one
organisation. We also apply the specific organisation’s
values, culture and strategy instead of case studies to
optimise learning and applicability.” “We want to make
a change in our own country. We want to empower
people to cope with and master their circumstances.”
According to Danie, these programmes were the first
of its kind in South Africa and have given Kovsies a
national footprint. Suddenly the business sector realises
that we have a great deal to offer.”
Personeel
40 Bult 41