Seboka, Thandiwe2025-09-102025-09-102024https://hdl.handle.net/10566/20871South Africa continues to grapple with the legacy of apartheid, facing significant challenges in restructuring institutional frameworks and promoting equity in development. Despite various efforts, the advancement of black professionals and the achievement of racial equality in the workplace remain significant obstacles, with under-representation persisting in many sectors (Coovadia, Jewkes, Barron, Sanders, and McIntyre, 2009). This study aimed to explore the role of Employment Equity in facilitating leadership positions within the public sector, using a case study of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). A qualitative research approach, incorporating both exploratory and descriptive designs, was employed to gain insights into these dynamics. The participants consisted of public servants from four district offices within the WCED’s metropolitan area. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select ten participants for the study. The primary data was collected through semi-structured, in-depth hybrid interviews (conducted both face-to-face and virtually), utilizing open-ended questions. The objectives of the research informed the interview guide. The primary data were analysed using thematic data analysis to ensure that the findings were credible and were presented as direct quotes from participants. Ethical considerations were upheld throughout the research process.enAppointmentsDepartment of EducationDiversityEmployment EquityLeadershipThesis