The Lean Management Certificate Ceremony
Building Capabilities to Reduce Waste: Celebrating the First Ever Accredited Lean Graduation Ceremony
In a vibrant celebration of learning, innovation, and service excellence, the Red Tape Reduction Unit proudly hosted the first-ever Accredited Lean Graduation Ceremony, marking a major milestone in the journey toward building a culture of continuous improvement across government. For more than 5 years, the Unit has been advocating for Lean management as a capability to reduce waste, drive value for citizens and improve efficiency. During 2024-2025, the Unit implemented a key G4J intervention to build capability to reduce waste, across both the City of Cape Town, and the Western Cape Government.
On the 30th of May 2025, the graduation commemorated over 150 Western Cape Government (WCG) officials and 36 City of Cape Town officials who were formally recognised for their commitment to efficiency and citizen value, receiving certificates from the prestigious University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business and the Lean Institute Africa.
These certificates acknowledge their successful completion of either the 2-day Lean Fundamentals course or the more intensive Lean Management Development Programme.
This graduation was more than a ceremony—it was the culmination of a season of investment in government capabilities, driven by the belief that small improvements can lead to significant, lasting impact. The event reflected a shared dedication to reducing waste and streamlining public services for the benefit of citizens and businesses alike.
A key highlight of the programme was the hands-on, real-time improvement projects undertaken by officials from the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Liquor Authority. These cohorts applied Lean tools to redesign and improve business-facing government services—demonstrating the power of learning by doing, while generating tangible outcomes for the public. In addition, the Departments Supply Chain Management Unit along with Red Tape Reduction attended the 3 month Lean Management Development Programme. The commitment of the officials to build a culture of innovation is commendable. 4 WCG trainers were also included as part of the graduation. These trainers will be providing the 2 day introductory sessions at the PTI in future – ensuring inhouse capabilities and sustainable learning pathways are created.
“This graduation marks the beginning of a deeper commitment to serving better,” said Michelle Ellis, Director of the Red Tape Reduction Unit. “We are not only changing systems; we are transforming mindsets.”
The programme hosted various speakers such as the HOD: Jo Ann Johnston, HOD Gerhard Gerber of DEADP, as well as Dino Fredericks from the Provincial Training Institute (PTI). The proceedings of the day was hosted by Chief Director: John Peters of IEDS. John was the first initiator of Lean management in the Province, and without his efforts to plant the seeds, the impact of the Unit would not be where it is today.
“PTI is a key partner in building a culture of innovation where continuous improvement is celebrated” – says Aeysha Augustus, the project manager and champion for Lean management within the WCG within the Red Tape Reduction Unit.
The ceremony echoed the spirit of continuous growth, encapsulated in the quote:
“Innovation is born from the courage to improve ourselves first, before we improve the system.”
Moving into the future, the Unit will be piloting the 2 day introduction to Lean Management in partnership with SALGA and 2 municipalities! The first in the country, and a partnership the Unit is proud of.
With collaboration, leadership, and learning at its core, the Accredited Lean Graduation Ceremony was a proud reminder that when government builds its people, it builds its ability to serve.
#LeanThinking #PublicValue #ServiceExcellence #WCGInnovates
Author Red Tape Reduction - Ayesha Augustus