Team AGSA celebrates Women's Day

However, this year, the occasion took on special significance.

For the first time in the 115-year history of the AGSA, we have two women - AG and DAG at the helm - a milestone that reflects not only how far our organisation has come, but also the possibilities that emerge when women are empowered to lead, influence and shape the future.

It was against this backdrop that Team AGSA gathered on Friday, 7 August 2026 to celebrate Women's Day, under the theme Beyond limits. Beyond expectations. Beyond ordinary.

Opening the programme, Chief People Officer Vatiswa Nthoesane reflected on the significance of the day and the role women continue to play in the AGSA's success.

"Our theme celebrates women who continue to break barriers, redefine leadership and demonstrate that excellence is achieved by courageously exceeding expectations."

Her remarks set the tone for a day that would challenge colleagues to think beyond titles and achievements and instead focus on the impact leaders have on those around them.

Building on her message, DAG Bongi Ngoma reflected on what meaningful leadership looks like in practice.

"Leadership should be measured by the lives that are transformed."

She spoke about the progress the AGSA has made, noting that women now make up nearly half of both the organisation's staff complement and leadership. More importantly, she challenged women across the organisation to embrace the three Rs of lifting as you rise: Rise, reproduce and revolution Her message was clear: leadership is not about reaching the top alone; it is about creating opportunities for others and ensuring that every step forward helps pave the way for someone else.

Delivering the keynote address, AG Tsakani Maluleke reinforced the importance of placing women's empowerment at the heart of the AGSA's future.

"As we celebrate women today, we must be clear that women’s empowerment is not a side programme. It must be central to building a capable, ethical, sustainable, resilient and impactful institution."

Paying tribute to the women who lead audits, drive innovation, mentor future professionals and strengthen accountability across the organisation, she reminded Team AGSA that real transformation requires deliberate action.

"Our responsibility is to actively remove barriers, challenge bias, develop talent deliberately and hold ourselves accountable for the quality of opportunity throughout the organisation."

The AG challenged colleagues to go beyond limits, beyond expectations and beyond the ordinary by developing people, embracing accountability and connecting their work to its impact on citizens.

The themes raised by both the AG and DAG carried seamlessly into the panel discussion on how women are shaping the future of accountability.

Facilitated by Head of Strategy Nwabisa Tsengiwe the discussion brought together heads of portfolio Alice Muller, and Sharonne Adams, young professional Phuti Semenya and the AG. Together, they explored the role women are playing in shaping ethical leadership, strengthening accountability and influencing the future of the profession.

Representing different experiences and career stages within the AGSA, the panellists shared valuable insights on leadership, growth, resilience and the importance of creating opportunities for others, reinforcing the day's central message that progress becomes most meaningful when it opens doors for those who follow.

The celebration was also marked by moments of joy and inspiration. Lisa-Amanda Sibanda, Senior Administrator from the Gauteng Business Unit, captivated the audience with a beautiful musical performance that brought warmth and energy to the programme and showcased the remarkable talent that exists within #TeamAGSA.

In closing acting Head of Audit Dr Thami Zikode reminded colleagues that Women's Day is about much more than a single celebration.

"This is more than an event; it is a journey; a journey of transformation and a journey towards creating a future where our children can thrive and excel."

His reflection provided a fitting conclusion to a day centred on leadership, transformation and possibility.