WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE
Supporting The Cape Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, is committed to supporting vulnerable communities
W
ith previous experience in the banking sector, Sharna Gail Fernandez was sworn in as the Western Cape Provincial Minister of Social Development, in May 2019. Prior to this, Fernandez served as the Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (between 2014 and 2019). She is also a Member of the Democratic Alliance (DA). A LIFE-LONG LEARNER Minister Sharna Fernandez grew up in the southern suburbs, Cape Town, and matriculated from South Peninsula High School. A self-proclaimed ‘life-long learner’, she completed her diplomas in Sales and Marketing, and Business Management, respectively. No stranger to adversity and social challenges, Fernandez’s passion for service and social cohesion was ingrained in her from a very impressionable age. Before venturing into politics, she served 30 years working in major South African banks, and has held the positions of Regional Manager, Sales and Service and acting General Manager of the ABSA mortgage division. Minister Fernandez is also a well-known business leader with Partners for Possibility.
48 | Public Sector Leaders | December • January 2022
