A prize-winning passion for public service

I am extremely proud to have won TransUnion’s 2024 Rising Star Awards in the public and private services category. Public service is my passion, so being recognised for my leadership skills and my vision for addressing service delivery challenges has deepened my appreciation for the power of shared purpose in driving long-term success and sustainable change in South Africa. It has also boosted my motivation to continue striving for socio-economic transformation within the City of Johannesburg where I work as Group Head of the Strategic Portfolio Management Office (SPMO).

The main thrust of my work is to transform the SPMO into a strategic ecosystem that drives city-wide infrastructure-based service delivery, supports socio-economic development, and attracts significant private sector investment.

The judging process for the TransUnion awards was rigorous. Candidates were assessed on vision and innovation, passion and impact, responsible engagement, agility in uncertainty, and systems thinking. Judges sought young leaders under 40 who could envision new possibilities, inspire others, and make a tangible impact in the face of challenges.

Each finalist was required to present a case study showing how their respective industries could contribute to the growth of South Africa's small business sector. My case study focused on ‘How might City of Johannesburg enhance financial inclusion for South African SMMEs by leveraging the unique strengths while effectively addressing its specific challenges’. SMMEs are the backbone of the South African economy, with significant economic contributions, yet they experience a number of challenges. This case study aided in outlining a set of practical time-based solutions toward addressing these challenges.

Growing up in the modest neighbourhood of Northdale in Pietermaritzburg, I learned to seize every opportunity that came my way. One of my greatest inspirations was my mother. She began her career working in a shoe factory, and after being retrenched, she secured a position at Computicket, despite having no prior computer or sales experience. Through hard work and determination, she excelled and eventually went on to manage her own MTN store. Her resilience demonstrated to me the transformative power of taking chances, embracing challenges, and fully committing to growth, regardless of prior experience.

I wanted to be many things when I was growing up. I dreamed of becoming a doctor, an actuarial scientist, or an engineer. When I was in high school I believed I had the potential to achieve something significant, but funding constraints shaped my choices. I applied for numerous bursaries, and I was fortunate to receive one from Sasol, which set me on the path to studying chemical engineering at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Before starting my business studies, my goals were focused on broadening my strategic and leadership capabilities to complement my technical expertise. I aimed to develop a deeper understanding of business practices, enhance my decision-making skills, and refine my ability to manage complex, large-scale projects effectively. My ultimate goal was to become a well-rounded leader capable of driving innovation and meaningful change in both public and private sectors.

I chose to pursue my MBA at Henley Business School Africa primarily for its exceptional flexibility, which allowed me to balance my demanding professional responsibilities and personal commitments, while also emphasising deep personal development and reflection. I began my studies in 2019 and graduated with distinction in 2023. My period of study was marked by the challenges of COVID-19, an acting role as COO for the City of Johannesburg, and significant personal loss. Throughout it all, Henley provided unwavering support and flexibility, for which I am deeply grateful.

Getting back into studying after being in the professional world for years was both challenging and rewarding. It took some time to switch back to an academic mindset while juggling work responsibilities, which really tested my time management skills and resilience. But it was also incredibly fulfilling. I could apply my real-world experience to my studies and gain fresh perspectives that boosted both my career and personal growth. It reminded me how valuable it is to keep learning.

The MBA was transformative and equipped me with essential tools to tackle complex challenges and fostered my development as a leader capable of managing multidisciplinary projects. On a personal level, the programme taught me the importance of self-care, time management, and balancing professional and personal commitments, especially during demanding times. The knowledge, confidence, and network I gained from Henley have laid a strong foundation for future executive growth and continued contributions to public service and beyond.

My advice to those who aspire to a career with impact is to cultivate a clear vision and embrace the principles of perseverance and systems thinking. Recognise that meaningful change often comes from collaboration and the ability to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Stay resilient in the face of obstacles and remain committed to your purpose.

The last book I read was Building a Values-Driven Organization by Richard Barrett. It emphasises the importance of aligning personal and organisational values to foster a culture of trust, engagement, and long-term success – something significant in complex environments. It reinforced my belief that strong leadership is rooted in shared values and that sustainable growth stems from creating an environment where individuals are motivated not just by external rewards but by their intrinsic alignment with the organisation’s mission.

If I could offer advice to my 20-year-old self, it would be this: Plan ahead but be prepared for those plans to change – and that’s okay. Looking back, I’m sometimes amazed at how life unfolded so differently from what I envisioned.