Pillars of YLC IDEAL:
Young Leaders Connect
The Young Leaders Connect (YLC) is an initiative of the International Women’s Forum of South Africa (IWFSA), relaunched in August 2020 by IWFSA Patron, Dr. Zanele Mbeki. The YLC IDEAL Program is committed to
cultivating the next generation of ethical, young women leaders. As of January 2025, the program has onboarded 440 mentees, with 330 having successfully benefited from its mentorship and leadership development initiatives. With a vision to empower even more young leaders in the coming years, YLC continues to expand its impact. The program is overseen by a dedicated committee, which reports to the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) of IWFSA, chaired by IWFSA Board Member, Ms. Shirley Machaba.
Mentorship
Each mentee is paired with an IWFSA mentor to enhance their soft skills and provide guidance on their professional journey. By 2025, YLC aims to mentor and support 400 young women to become adept, ethical leaders in their domains.
Conversations
Monthly virtual dialogues on pertinent topics are facilitated with renowned academics, industry leaders, civil society representatives, and government officials. These discussions are curated to stimulate critical thinking and equip participants with valuable insights.
Entrepreneurship
YLC incubates a selection of startups and SMMEs, hosting diverse sessions, including fundraisers, information dissemination, and training events. The goal is to extend tailored training, funding, and support to 50 women-led businesses by 2025.
Board Leadership
YLC organizes dialogues with organizations such as IOD, King Commission, DukeCE, and prominent law firms on board governance and leadership. The ambition is to position and train 20 young women for board roles and provide comprehensive board leadership training, mentoring, and networking opportunities by 2025.
Communications
YLC releases a monthly newsletter and a quarterly magazine, highlighting the accomplishments of young talents and shining a spotlight on esteemed IWFSA members and other notable women leaders.
IDEAL Book Club
This initiative features quarterly sessions with South African authors, reviewing their works and dissecting the leadership lessons therein.
Strategic Alliances
This pillar's focus is to foster relationships with kindred institutions and formulate a funding model for program sponsorships.
Student Chapter
In collaboration with a university society, this pillar aims to support tertiary students with offerings like soft skills training, mentorship, and leadership development workshops.
Circle of Influence
An alumni initiative that perpetuates the YLC ethos of "paying it forward," this program engages past mentees to contribute to the growth of new YLC cohorts.
Meet the YLC IDEAL Leadership
Explore our YLC IDEAL Leadership team, with two leaders assigned to each pillar, working together to inspire and shape future women leaders through mentorship and dedicated leadership initiatives.
Nozipho Tshabalala & Lerato Phelane
Co-Chairs of YLC IDEAL Program
Vuyelwa Diniso & Athi Rwexu
Pillar Heads – IDEAL Conversations
Thando Dhaza & Karabo Motaung
Pillar Heads – IDEAL Mentorship
Kati Hlaise & Lufuno Maliaga
Pillar Heads – IDEAL Book Club
Zandile Makhaya & Nozizwe Somngesi
Pillar Heads – IDEAL Board Leadership
Thobile Ngcobo & Dr. Lethiwe Nzama
Pillar Heads – IDEAL Student Chapter
Nonkululeko Radise & Thandi Dano-Ramaano
Pillar Heads – IDEAL Entrepreneurship
Mothathe Sewelo & Selapeng Maledimo
Pillar Heads - IDEAL Communications & Strategic Alliances