On South Africa’s Women’s Day (9 August), Governing Tomorrow features a conversation between host Yoliswa Makhasi, Head of the Public Sector Reforms Programme at the New South Institute, and Pam Yako, former director-general, NSI board member and founder of the leadership development firm Zenande. The episode examines what it takes to lead transformation in the public service – from the early years of democratic government to ongoing efforts to strengthen institutions.

Yako describes reform as a people-centred practice. Teams need to be prepared for change and brought along deliberately: “when you introduce change, take people along“. She reflects on leading while young, developing a leadership style in real time and remaining committed to public service beyond formal roles. Women’s networks, she notes, provide practical support and continuity – “sisterhood is important” – and help sustain work toward gender equity and social justice inside the system.

The discussion also considers the mechanics of reform: building institutional readiness, sequencing interventions, and keeping communication consistent when resistance emerges. Yako points to the value of mentorship and peer support, the discipline of measuring progress and the need to align incentives so that reforms persist across political cycles. Her vantage point – as a former DG, an NSI board member and a leadership practitioner – grounds the conversation in practice rather than theory.

Listen to this Women’s Day episode of Governing Tomorrow with host Yoliswa Makhasi and guest Pam Yako on the NSI website or your preferred podcast platform.