Making an impact through skills development

Making an impact through skills development

Meet Fasset’s CEO, Ayanda Mafuleka

Established in 2000, the Financial and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Fasset) plays a critical role in increasing the number of new entrants into the finance and accounting professions, and developing the skills the sector requires. Through its work, Fasset contributes to the country’s transformation targets, led by CEO Ayanda Mafuleka.

A former CFO in a few public entities, Ayanda’s commitment to financial prudence and accountability has been instrumental in ensuring the organisation’s clean audits. She has been blazing a trail which saw her join senior management before the age of 30, and CEO of Fasset before turning 40.

Please describe your role as CEO at Fasset SETA

As Chief Executive Officer I am responsible for overseeing the delivery and execution of Fasset’s mandate. I am quite a handson CEO, thus I sometimes find myself wearing many hats in order to have sight of the different functions that come together to complete the work we do. I also have a responsibility to respond to the socioeconomic trends by curating programmes that match and meet the skills demand. My role is one I facilitate with both heart and intellect ensuring we continue to make a difference wherever we commit.

What services does the SETA offer?

The focus of the SETA is to service the finance and accounting sector with relevant skills needed by the sector. We have a pipeline approach to skills development, where Fasset offers programmes such as career awareness for a high school learner and journey along with this learner into higher education, employment and beyond. The work we do is delivered in the form of bursaries, learnerships/internships, academic support, continuous professional development and more. We look at the holistic journey of those entering the SETA sector and build support programmes for each of those steps.

How important in your view is the SETA sector in driving employment in South Africa?

Empowering people (both employed and unemployed) with much needed skills that they require to move forward is only the first step and the next step is partnering with the employers to recruit and absorb this newlyskilled group. According to our Minister, Dr Nzimande, SETAs act as ‘’matchmakers’’ between learners and workplaces; creating opportunities for entry and providing funding for experiential learning. This improves chances of employment.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Honestly, there isn’t one specific style I follow, but a range of approaches based on what is required in the situation at hand. However, my leadership style leans toward the servant leadership style, because I lead to serve for the greater good of the organisation, communities and the lives of our beneficiaries.

What have been your major milestones as CEO?

Achieving a clean audit in the 2021/22 financial year and being supported by a dynamic team made up mostly of female leaders in managerial and executive roles. It is this team that pushed daily to achieve this outcome.

How do you prefer to solve problems?

Systematically, whilst drawing from the historical knowledge available to me, and in the area of concern.

What excites you about what you do?

The ability to transform the life and future of an African child, the ability to empower unemployed youths of South Africa, in particular young women and those living with disabilities, through deployment of strategically impactful programmes.

What are you looking forward to in the coming year?

Hopefully reaching 100% of our performance targets on our planned strategic priorities, and another clean audit. But, most importantly, taking the skills development agenda of Fasset to even greater heights. This will be achieved through community developmentbased programmes and work-based learning programmes for our unemployed youth.

Do you have a message for our readers?

During Womens’ Month, let's not only celebrate women but also support each other. Let us foster and implement support programmes that go beyond Women’s Month. Let us uplift and financially support small businesses owned and run by women. Let us make time to mentor the little girls we see potential in and let us see the success of one woman as the success of every woman.

Contact details: Head Office: 1st Floor 296 Kent Avenue Ferndale, Randburg 2194 fassetcallcentre@fasset.org.za Switchboard: 011 476 8570 FreeCall: 0800 472 637 www.fasset.org.za