Staff Reporter
Johannesburg – The 2016 class of the Phakama Women’s Academy has graduated after an intense five-week mentorship programme that has better prepared
them to face the challenges of the corporate world. 
The academy is an initiative of brand experience agency VWV Group to empower young women in the marketing, advertising and communications
industry. Between 25 and 30 Second and Third Year students from the University of Johannesburg, AAA School of Advertising and Vega School of
Brand Leadership are selected every year for the programme and paired with mentors, who teach them life and practical business skills.
Koo Govender, Chairperson of Phakama Women’s Academy and CEO of media and digital communications firm Densu Aegis Network SA, says this opportunity
will equip the students with the necessary tools to enter the corporate world and inspire them to dream big. Govender started the academy in 2014
after her appointment as the first female CEO of VWV Group.
The word “Phakama” means “Rise up” in isiZulu and isiXhosa. Govender says the name was chosen to inspire women to rise up and take their positions
in the corporate world. 
 
At the end of the programme, the academy graduates receive certificates of attendance. But the relationship between the students and their mentors
continues. Some have been able to find internships through the academy and their mentors.

“The 2016 class has been wonderful. I met young women who are ambitious, energetic and confident. They all want to succeed in their careers and
become role models to others,” says Govender.
“I trust that they have learned a lot from the academy, and that they will use what they learned to enter the corporate world more prepared and ready
to make an impact. Life is not only about success, it is about significance.”

-Guardian