Human resource development is an important function contributing to a country's growth potential. During periods of transformation, organizations are in particular need of an adequate supply of leaders and managers. In order to ensure the constant supply of qualified and experienced individuals with leadership and management skills, organizations design their own development interventions to suit their needs. Creating a sustainable pool of qualified and experienced managers will facilitate the achievement of equitable representation of designated groups in middle and senior management echelons. The creation of a sustainable pool of managers has to be guided by an objective assessment of current available management and leadership skills versus future requirements. This assessment should be based on a competency framework, ensuring the effective determination of real needs. The paper suggests that formalized assessment not only co