You don't have to choose some sort of box

Since then, she’s led CSI programmes at ESKOM and Group Five, and now she manages the CSI arm of Ceramic Industries. But that’s not all: she also started the Msimbithi Foundation, which is making a big difference to the community of Hamburg in the Eastern Cape. 

If you ever ask me: Why is Corporate Social Investment (CSI) so important to me? Why is education so important to me? I’ll tell you: education is the most powerful tool that we have when it comes to breaking the cycle of poverty. It’s about so much more than just the quality of the teachers. Education is about a child’s social and physical environment, too. 

Growing up in the Eastern Cape, attending brick-and-mortar schools, I was able to see this first-hand. I was not particularly excited by school, until I came into an environment that brought out the best in me. I’ve felt that twice in my life: first at Commercial Park Private School, and then later, at Henley. Both times, I felt like there was finally a place for me. 

All children should have that feeling from a young age. That’s part of why I founded the Msimbithi Foundation, which serves the community of Hamburg in the Eastern Cape. At Msimbithi, we provide children with school uniforms, books and literacy programmes, and further crucial skills development. The practical stuff’s great – but kids also want to have fun! So, we recently built a jungle gym at Hamburg Primary School. The unveiling of the gym was a special day. 

But my work hasn’t always revolved around CSR. I’ve gone from Transnet to Unischool, and I’ve worked at Group Five and ESKOM. The latter ended up being a turning point in my life: I had exposure to CSI for the first time and knew then that I wanted to sincerely make a difference in my world through the work I do.

It was tough, but at ESKOM, I ended up flourishing. Alongside discovering CSI while there, I was also nominated whilst at Group Five through the Black Management Forum for the first cohort of a leadership programme at Duke University. That was the first time I heard about personal development, self-mastery and all those fantastic elements. I started to ask how to become a leader – one who is self-aware and conscious of their environment. My life has focused around these areas since then – CSI and education.

I got to grow those parts of my life even more when I joined Henley Business School. I started out with the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice (PGDip), I remember thinking: I’m going to be great after this. I swear: the PGDip was more difficult than my MBA. It tests you to your core. I knew that if I came out of the programme a better version of myself, I would have done what I needed to do. And damn right I did! I signed up for the MBA soon afterwards. 

It was thanks to my mentor and favourite leader ever, Lance Foxcroft and Ceramic Industries that I found Henley. I knew that I wanted to study further while working, but I did not know where to go. One day, I sat down with the training and development officer – Aviwe Mpikeleli at work. “I think you’re a Henley person!” she said. I was overjoyed to discover that she was right: I AM a Henley person. Henley is colourful and vibrant. It’s an institution that doesn’t feel like you have to choose some sort of a box.

Henley has now been a part of my life for five years. It's been a beautiful journey. I’ve been allowed to be myself. Each day, I could pay attention to my foundation and ensure that my cup was filled. It has given back to me a life that I don’t know how to fully express. It might have been five years – but really, for me, it’s a never-ending journey. It’s one I hope to share with – and give back to – others.