The Phakama Women’s Academy (PWA), a VWV environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiative established in 2014, proudly concluded its 2024 mentorship programme, marking a decade of preparing young women for the working world. This milestone year also celebrates another cohort of ambitious graduates entering the job market, equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to excel in South Africa’s marketing and communications sectors.
Pioneered by Koo Govender, the first women CEO of global brand experience agency VWV Group, the academy has mentored over 150 graduates over the past 10 years. “Empowering through knowledge is at the heart of this initiative,” says Govender. “Our goal is to fast-track workplace skills for women graduates in our sector.”
Each year, PWA offers select final-year students the opportunity to shape their futures through skills development workshops and one-on-one mentorship. On completing the programme, the mentees receive a PWA certificate, marking their readiness to navigate the corporate world. The academy partners with trailblazing women from the business community, providing mentorship that transforms the mentees’ professional journeys.
The programme delivers both the practical and soft skills that are crucial for career success, covering topics like CV writing, interview techniques, career goal setting, money management and personal branding. Participants also gain insights into workplace etiquette, work-life balance and the development of a strong work ethic.
The following modules were included in this year’s programme:
The Power of Sisterhood: Building Bonds that Empower
Money Matters: Crafting Your Financial Journey
Ready, Steady, Work: Tools for Thriving in the Job Market
Unleash Your Brand: Crafting Your Unique Identity
Welcome to the World of Work: Navigating Your Career Path
Balancing Work and Life Brilliance
The 2024 programme paired mentees with accomplished mentors, offering invaluable guidance and industry expertise. Lethabo Elihle Dubazana, for example, worked with Yevenia Naidoo, who provided insights into talent development and workplace culture. Similarly, Mmatiro Ntsiki Makgatholela gained inspiration from Ntsiki Mkhize, learning to combine creativity with social impact. Other mentees, such as Refilwe Molele and Asathi Mtolo, benefited from mentorship in business development and career success, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
VWV Managing Director Shale Gama, who led the academy’s 10-year celebrations, expressed her pride in the programme’s evolution: “As we mark this milestone, we’re thrilled by Phakama’s growing impact. The skills and confidence our mentees gain is a testament to the programme’s success, and we’re incredibly proud of their bright futures.”
PWA will continue its mission of closing the gap between academic qualifications and workplace readiness, by empowering South Africa’s women graduates to thrive in a competitive job market. The door is open ... come on in!
For more information, visit PWA on its social media pages:
Facebook: Phakama Women’s Academy
Instagram: @phakamawomensacademy
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Press Contact:
Katie Coetzee
+27 81 851 2765
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