Abstract:
This study drew attention to the influential role the transformational leadership
constructs can play in increasing women representation in decision making
structures of the Department of Social Development (DSD). The DSD’s Sekhukhune
District in Limpopo Province was used as an area of study. The aim of the study was
to investigate the significance of transformational leadership in pursuing gender
parity in the DSD’s Sekhukhune District. The study followed an exploratory research
design and implemented a qualitative methodology. A total of 10 DSD managers
were targeted. Furthermore, a purposive sampling was used and interviews were
conducted as the method of data collection. The data collected had been analysed
thematically.
The results revealed that although there have been improvements of more appointed
women managers within the organisation. There were still more women managers
than men managers within the organisation. However, most men occupy senior
management positions while most women occupy the lower managerial positions.
Most managers were not inspired to perform more than they were expected giving
the reason that, they lack resources and their efforts often go unrecognised. Most
managers found political appointment discouraging towards fair promotions.
Nevertheless, there were enough women who possess required leadership skills.
Conversely, there were no programmes that support women participation and
empowerment in issues relating to gender parity. Leadership training,
transformational leadership, provision of resources and salary acceleration were
common suggestions to pursue gender parity. The study recommends that the DSD
Sekhukhune District leadership should adopt and implement transformational
leadership, change political appointment, appoint leaders with relevant qualifications,
establishing a functional gender mainstreaming office within the DSD Sekhukhune
District, adequate budgetary support and specialised training of staff shall assist in
closing the gender parity gap.
