Affirming women in managerial positions in the South African public service

Abstract

Democracy requires all members of the public to be afforded equal opportunities. South Africa is still a young democracy grappling to redress the imbalances of the past, which were not only about colour but also about gender and many other inequities. Prior to 1994, the South African public service systematically marginalised women across the colour spectrum. The introduction of the enabling legislation on affirmative action after 1994 meant that women were classified as a category of the previously disadvantaged. Government departments have since then been expected to comply with this legislation and advance women who have the right qualifications and experience to managerial positions from which they were previously excluded.The first part of this article examines the legislative framework and progress that has been made in the appointment of women to managerial positions in the South African public service. Statistics are used to quantify the progress that has been made.The second part of the article analyses obstacles that hamper the advancement of women. Lastly the article focuses on possible ways of addressing obstacles to the advancement of women.