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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Tebogo Moatshe is the founder and managing partner of Masego Consulting, a 100% black female-owned management consulting firm founded in October 2017. They consider themselves Human Capital Transformation specialists who help their clients transform in their way of work.
They’ve integrated seamlessly, and work collaboratively, with their client teams to co-create a customised solution for seemingly generic business challenges.

Tebogo believes gender empowerment has allowed her business to unlock client opportunities that they didn’t feel strongly about but their company credentials and those of their senior management team spoke for themselves. It has also catalysed their access to clients with female executives in leadership as they can easily identify with their core delivery teams since they are pro-women.

According to the entrepreneur, these are the current and future trends in her sector:

Strategic Alliances: Firms are forming strategic alliances and partnerships to more effectively service clients and their needs. This is allowing firms to focus on their high-touch client engagement model

• Purpose-driven consulting: Clients are increasingly asking us to help them integrate purpose into their
  business strategies, as they recognise that having a clear sense of purpose can lead to improved employee engagement, customer loyalty and financial performance

• Digitisation: Migration from manual and basic tools of trade to conducting work and delivering value to clients using digital tools for visualisations, tracking, story-telling etc.

• AI Automation: Use of tools to drive productivity and collaboration; e.g. the use of ChatGPT to better
  support the employee lifecycle (from recruiting, to onboarding, to training, to performance management and employee engagement)

“I am inspired by many female leaders such as Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey, however, my biggest inspiration is my late grandmother. Not only was she a successful business woman her entire life, until she retired at 80 years old, she was a woman of stature, poise and strength who always encouraged me to go after what I wanted and to always stay true to myself. She constantly reminded me that no-one owes me anything in this world and that I need to wake up every day and work for my dreams,” she concluded.

Image and source: Standard Bank Top Women

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

For Lazola Momo, three things have always been a given: his natural ability with numbers, a love for what he is good at, and the willingness to follow it and see where it takes him.  

He’ll tell you why it’s worthwhile. “If you stick with what you love, and know and understand your profession, it will lead to opportunities. Maybe these are not opportunities that happen immediately. But in some time, they will. It all comes back.”  

He knows this – he’s lived it. And it’s happening to him again.  

As the Chairperson of the Western Cape Division of ABASA (Association the Advancement of Black Accountants in South Africa), it’s his job to provide outreach and support to students of accounting at schools and universities in the province. One way he and ABASA do this is by hosting an annual fundraising dinner, where sponsors donate money that goes toward scholarships for accounting students. And this year, one of the donors is an entity that played a huge role in his past – Milpark Education. 

“It’s so funny,” he says, “because I did my CA through Milpark’s CA Connect programme. When was it, 12, 13 years ago? And now they are back in my life again.”  

Milpark Education is not the only institution that returned to Lazola. ABASA itself did, too.  

“I first joined ABASA when I was at Nelson Mandela University. Then I left Qqeberha to do my articles in Cape Town. But I heard about the ABASA Western Cape Division while I was doing my articles at AGSA (Auditor-General of South Africa).” 

It was a busy, prosperous time for him. Alongside doing his articles at AGSA and being involved with ABASA, Lazola was also studying part-time through CA Connect. He credits Milpark with helping him to attain his CA – something he had been struggling to do. 

“In my postgraduate studies at a different institution, I failed my exams, not once, but twice. I had no idea what was going wrong. I was studying exactly the same as I did in my undergrad, and back then I passed everything fine. But I learned something incredibly important when I came to CA Connect – which is that sometimes you need to change the way you do things if you want to succeed.” 

And that’s what he did. And when the exams finally came around for the CA? It was intense. They were difficult. But he got his qualification in the end. 

This is why in his current role, Lazola is so keen to provide the same level of support that he received during his time with Milpark to other students embarking on a career in accounting. 

“For anyone taking this path, it’s a challenge. And you need a solid support system in order to succeed – the environment is so important to whatever you need to do. You can’t put a fish on the ground. At Milpark, the setting, maybe subconsciously, motivated us. We got the encouragement, the contact classes, the focus and attention we needed, the nuggets of wisdom that we could take forward.” 

Lazola’s impact on others also extends beyond the young South Africans in accounting he encounters in his work with ABASA, to those he works with and services through his work in in Cape Town’s public sector. Formerly a Senior Manager with CapeNature, he has held several roles in the public sector of the City of Cape Town and is now the Head of Monitoring and Reporting in the City. 

“I always wanted to work in the public sector,” he says. “I always believed, and still believe, that by working here, I can really make a difference and help people.” 

For Lazola, it seems like this commitment to helping others may in fact be a fourth thing that has always been a constant for him: “It comes back. And now I must give it back,” he concludes. 

Image and source: Millpark Education

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Ten years into navigating the South African fashion industry, fashion journalist, content creator and pop culture commentator Khensani Mohlatlole has become a key critical voice in Johannesburg’s fashion media landscape.  

Based in Johannesburg, this creative talent has a distinctive and well-researched perspective on the fashion industry and global pop culture. From fashion journalism in publications like Twyg and Industrie Africa to video essays on South African dress histories, she approaches her work with an unfettered and exploratory spirit. Mohlatlole’s curiosity about fashion and dress histories is vividly expressed through her DIY and upcycling practices. 

Khensani Mohlatlole brings a refreshing wit and humour to her multi-disciplinary approach in bridging the insights gap within African fashion. Her relatable and witty style challenges traditional fashion paradigms.

Through her DIY and upcycling practices, she explores fashion and dress histories, reshaping traditional fashion media for a curious and critical new generation of fashion enthusiasts. Her expressive and playful intelligence in style resonates well with the fashion industry’s evolving landscape, as she describes it uniquely positioned in the global fashion arena. 

She has carved an original and visibly passion-driven path in the fashion industry. She honours and appreciates what she refers to as South Africa’s “unique” position in the global fashion industry: an opportunity to demonstrate a new and progressive way of “doing” fashion.  

“The most rewarding thing about the industry for me is that there’s so much room for change. It’s actually kind of a blessing to have such a young or small fashion industry because it means we’re in a better position to improve on the mistakes of longer established traditions and industries while adapting what does work to suit our context.

Our country is full of innovative and passionate practitioners who are really thoughtfully bringing together their histories, cultures and diversity to foster a better fashion future,” the creative says.

Image: Instagram

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Established in 2005, the company known as Cary M Fashions specializes in a wide spectrum of designs and manufacturing, including upscale daywear, casual wear, formal evening clothing, and even bridal gowns. In addition to these options, the company offers beginner-friendly sewing classes and guidelines for pattern drafting.

This business has its roots in the founder’s high school years, when a love of dressing up for occasions like spring festivals and Valentine’s celebrations first took hold. She started creating the ensembles she wanted to wear for various events around this period. Her mother and she would then work together to turn these concepts into wearable items. Her desire to learn more about the fashion industry grew out of her personal passion, and she decided to pursue higher education in the area.

Her journey took a significant turn during her second year of study, as her aptitude for design and sewing became increasingly evident. She even began wearing her own creations to school, church, and weddings. This practice caught the attention of those around her, leading to requests from others for garments similar to what she wore. This marked the genesis of her entrepreneurial endeavours and the gradual expansion of her clientele. Financial incentives also played a motivating role in her decision to establish Cary M.

Her father believed in her so much that he bought her an industrial sewing machine. Till this day, her father is still servicing the machines, he is also part of the word of mouth, especially when he was still working and he is also a biggest financial support in the business/marketing, including her aunt Khanyi Zungu, who sponsored her first fashion show.

Her initials, Carol Mohlala, are combined to form the name Cary M. Her family and her discussed a variety of names before deciding on this short yet significant one.

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Central to the success of Cary M Fashions is its commitment to competitive pricing and exceptional customer service. The age-old power of word-of-mouth promotion has also significantly contributed to the brand’s growth. However, not without its challenges, the brand has faced instances where clients requested unreasonable discounts or failed to make timely payments, while simultaneously expecting swift order deliveries.

The digital age has ushered in significant changes, enabling Cary M Fashions to operate primarily online. This shift has simplified the process, allowing clients to place orders and make payments remotely, eliminating the need for in-person meetings. Social media has been a cornerstone of the brand’s marketing strategy, in addition to the ever-effective method of word-of-mouth referrals.

Effective communication with clients and a respectful acknowledgment of their preferences have proven indispensable skills. The founder draws inspiration from a multitude of sources, particularly art and her surroundings. Emotions and sensations also play a role, where personal experiences like feeling the heat of summer lead her to design lightweight, comfortable garments that provide protection from the sun.

Despite the highs and lows of the journey, facing the fear of failure continues to be a hard obstacle. However, the founder’s perseverance and involvement with other designers have proven crucial in overcoming such challenges.

Success for Cary M Fashions has been defined by the sense of pride that comes from being one’s own boss and in charge of a developing business. This accomplishment, which was based on constancy and self-belief, is proof of her commitment. An unrivalled amount of fulfilment is derived from seeing clients smile, watching her designs come to life, and watching her business and design aspirations come true.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Owning a business of any kind is not easy, there are challenges that entrepreneurs face and have to overcome. Local clinical psychologist, healer and inspirational speaker, Anele Siswana says private practice is not romantic at all.

It’s hard work, investment of long hours in the practice, a constant hustle to survive. “I personally feel that universities don’t do much to prepare candidates for the realities of private practice. It’s time that accredited institutions that offer professional practice master’s in psychology really need to consider integrating “Business Management” or a basic course of entrepreneurship,” he says.

Anele went on to say all psychology students are told is that private practice is an option but never taken through on how to establish and run a sustainable private practice. “This is a business and its key for one to manage the fine line between compassion, empathy and running a business. You need a business model. Above and beyond you need a business strategy, tenacity, courage and an entrepreneurial mind to survive this beast,” he concluded.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

“Give the learners the opportunity to discover learning instead of standing there and doing all the reading and talking”, learning should be made fun and exciting, says Helen Septoo.

Helen is a Foundation Phase Education lecturer, based on the Missionvale Campus of Nelson Mandela University.

In addition to her lecturing duties, she also runs workshops at schools, where she works with the HODs and principals to retrain teachers to improve how they perform their duties.

Before COVID-19 brought the world to its knees, Helen had been based at and working in the United Arab Emirates, before she joined Mandela University in 2021.

Sharing why she decided to work with teachers , she notes the gaps she identified in the South African schooling system, particularly in the foundation phase.

Listening to, After paying visits to the classrooms, she realised why teachers in schools complain about unruly children, as she encountered cnbored and uninterested children, as a result of the bulk of their learning.

“In most cases, the classes and the lessons are so teacher-centred. The learners must just sit there and listen to what the teacher says”, says Helen, noting how learning in schools in the country encourages little engagement from the learner, as the learners take in and regurgitate information at the teachers’ command, not thinking and interacting with the information.

Helen realised how dependent on the teachers the learners had become, and sees this as a problem, it is too one-sided. So, for her, it’s about “making changes so that leaners can benefit, but in such a way that the teachers can still feel in control”.

Instead of talking at the learners for hours a day, Helen thinks teachers should shift focus in classrooms back to the learners.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Muneyi’s music has been described as a gift from the gods – a healing experience, as he connects the listener to his own narrative of Tshivenda folktales and modern sounds. He makes a grand return to streaming platforms and radio with his new poetic anthem featuring the award-winning South African vocalist Msaki. ‘Maipfi’ is out now on all platforms.

Inspired by his Makhulu (Grandmother), his community upbringing, a love for language, vulnerability, human behaviour and personal experiences, his music has an ability to transcend language and connect to one’s heart and soul. A multifaceted artist, songwriter, composer, and guitarist.

Recently performing at GQ South Africa’s Best Dressed Awards as well as the GQ Music Issue launch event, the Platoon-signed artist is soaring in the early stages of his career, and finally, new and old fans can sample the first of many incredible songs from his upcoming EP.

Muneyi’s collaboration with the award-winning Msaki on “Maipfi” unveils a mesmerising symphony of emotions. “Maipfi,” meaning words, paints a poetic picture of endings and the poignant remnants left behind. As Muneyi conjures images of burning fields, Msaki’s haunting vocals parallel the fading ember of a love that remains, even as it fades.

‘Maipfi’ is the first single from Muneyi’s upcoming EP For the Boys I Like, which he describes as a revelation — a canvas on which Muneyi paints his innermost thoughts and emotions in hues of personal experience. Unlike his debut album Makhulu, which was an ode to his grandmother, this EP boldly opens new doors, delving into the depths of his heart, allowing us into a more personal space where we encounter his raw feelings.

Muneyi’s introspective exploration is both heartbreaking and liberating, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys of love, identity, and self-discovery. Through its melodic tapestry, “For the Boys I Like” transcends mere music, evolving into a soul-stirring testament to the human experience.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants welcomed its first female chief executive officer, Patricia Stock CA(SA), effective 1 December 2023.

This transformative appointment comes as a double victory for the institute as it coincides with Women’s Month and propels the institute’s strategic agenda for growth and transformation in the accountancy profession.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Stock holds extensive qualifications that include a master’s degree in international accounting from the University of Johannesburg. She is a highly experienced and entrepreneurial leader with over 14 years of operational, senior management and executive experience. Her journey is marked by successful tenures in multiple governance and leadership positions, both executive and non-executive. She holds memberships to a range of credible, affiliated professional bodies, making her a formidable driving force in the profession.

The incoming CEO’s impact extends beyond her imminent role, evident in her previous tenures as Audit Director and Partner at BDO SA, as well as roles at the Auditor General of South Africa, and as a Saica Board member. Stock’s expertise spans strategy development, risk management, compliance, governance, and relationship management, positioning her as an adept leader for Saica’s ongoing commitment to acting in the public interest.

In her current role as CEO of MGI RAS (Group), she steers a large team of individuals and oversees a diverse range of services, including external and internal audit assurance, financial management and assurance consulting, audit quality assurance review and training, transformation advisory, governance consulting, and more.

“I am honoured, humbled and excited to step into the role of CEO at Saica. I have always believed that finance and audit professionals have the potential to drive positive change, not only in our organisations but within society at large. With the resolute team at Saica, I am eager to champion excellence, innovation, and transformation. I genuinely believe that if we work together to empower our people, members, and associates, we can all be the difference-makers that the world needs!” Stock said.

Vincent Motholo, chairperson of the Saica Board, said that by appointing such a thought leader and trailblazer, Saica is poised for even greater heights. “We are delighted to welcome our first Black female CEO, who brings with her a remarkable blend of experience, vision, and transformative leadership to Saica.

Her proven record as a difference-maker in the finance, audit, and broader business landscape, resonates strongly with our vision to develop Saica into a leading global professional body, and we are confident that Ms. Stock is the right leader to drive this agenda forward. We believe that her modern-day business acumen, strategic thinking, passion for people and deep understanding and commitment of our profession and its people will further elevate Saica’s role in shaping the future of the economy. With her at the helm, we are well-positioned for a dynamic era of growth, leadership and positive impact.”

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Dr Thandiwe Sithole from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has won the prestigious 2023 National Research Foundation (NRF) Research Excellence Award for Early Career/Emerging Researchers in the female Engineering category.

Dr Sithole is a senior lecturer in the UJ Department of Chemical Engineering Technology.

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Internationalisation at the University of Johannesburg, Professor Sarah said “By working with experts with diverse viewpoints, Dr Sithole contributes to bringing fresh perspectives and practical solutions to complex problems faced by ordinary people in South Africa.

“This in turn enables the implementation of effective programs and interventions that can positively impact the lives of the majority, promote socio-economic development, and drive inclusive growth in the country.”

Dr Sithole focuses on the upcycling of industrial waste (valorisation of waste), the circular economy, and wastewater treatment in her research. She employs an innovative research methodology and addresses complex problems in a practical and impactful way. She collaborates with experts from various fields for an effective interdisciplinary approach.

“I believe in finding sustainable solutions to our environmental challenges. Growing up, I witnessed the effects of pollution and felt driven to make a positive impact. The inspiration to pursue this field came from my undergraduate final year research project and a deep desire to contribute towards creating a cleaner and healthier world,” said Dr Sithole.

This award recognises outstanding research performance by current Early Career/Emerging Researchers in any discipline, who are NRF grant holders.

Through this award, the NRF aspires to develop and enhance the research stature of Early Career/Emerging Researchers, which among others, aims to redress historical imbalances in the South African researchers’ cohort.

Image and source: UJ

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The Living Soils Community Learning Farm is a pilot project to grow nutrient-rich food, in partnership with Woolworths, Spier Wine Farm and the Sustainability Institute. 

It was launched in March 2019 and involves training and development to empower emerging, young farmers with the skills to tackle food insecurity and to ensure local youth employment. Within eight months of launching, the first harvest of vegetables was seen and since then, approximately 6095 kilograms of produce – including carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, cucumber, baby marrow, tomatoes, butternut, gem squash, spring onion, green pepper, green beans and mielies – has been harvested from just under a hectare of land.

Since the first harvest, 45% of the produce has gone towards various beneficiaries; School Feeding Programmes at the Sustainability Institute, and Lynedoch Valley community households. The produce has also been sold as veggie boxes to local restaurants and wholesalers, and surplus produce has been donated to FoodForward SA.

“It was a wonderful moment when we delivered the first order to the Sustainability Institute, to use in the meals prepared for approximately 200 impoverished and at-risk children from the Lynedoch community, who attend various school programmes at the Institute. This is one of the main objectives of the Living Soils Community Learning Farm, to improve food security within the community, starting with Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres,“ says Rirhandzu Marivate, Project Manager for the Living Soils Community Learning Farm.

Like unemployment, food insecurity remains persistent and widespread in South Africa, where contrasting forms of malnutrition, from wasting and stunted growth to unhealthy eating, co-exist with significant impacts on health and wellbeing. Through demonstrating the growing of nutritious food sustainably, the Living Soils Community Learning Farm aims to offer the country an innovative, collaborative model to improve food security while also boosting livelihoods and access to land.

Image: LinkedIn