Phakama Women's Academy, one of our ESG initiatives, equips young women who are about to embark on their first jobs in our industry with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the corporate world. Central to this is a mentorship programme, where we pair our students with successful women in businesses across Gauteng.
This year’s mentor and student pairings reflect our commitment to fostering connections that will inspire and empower these young women to thrive in their careers.
Here’s a closer look at the pairings for 2024:
1. Lethabo Elihle Dubazana (AFDA) and Yevenia Naidoo (Chief People Officer at Publicis).
Yevenia’s expertise in nurturing talent and fostering workplace culture will provide Lethabo with the tools to excel in her career journey.
2. Mmatiro Ntsiki Makgatholela (AFDA) and Ntsiki Mkhize (Former Miss SA Finalist, Social Entrepreneur, and Author).
Mmatiro will have the unique opportunity to learn from a mentor who has made her mark as a social entrepreneur and author. This mentorship promises to inspire Mmatiro to combine creativity with social impact.
3. Busi Modibedi (AFDA) and Unathi Mzendana (Business Executive - Nestlé Health Science).
Busi will gain a deep understanding of the business landscape, particularly in the health science sector.
4. Refilwe Molele (AFDA) and Anjana Harry (Territory Sales Head: Southern Africa at Zee Entertainment).
Anjana’s guidance will help Refilwe develop a strong foundation in business development and sales strategy.
5. Asathi Mtolo (UJ) and Ann Gaolefeloe (Quality Consultant and Real Estate Agent).
Ann’s diverse business background will provide Asathi with a multi-faceted perspective on career development and success.
6. Siphiwesihle Qabazi (UJ) and Marjan Sadigh Loghmany (Holistic Wellness & Fitness Consultant and Craniosacral Therapist).
Siphiwesihle will explore the world of holistic wellness and gain a valuable perspective on the intersection of health, wellness, and career.
7. Thandiswa Mpongolwana (UJ) and Judy Maharaj (Show Director, Festival of Motoring).
Judy’s expertise in managing large-scale events will provide Thandiswa with practical skills and industry insights.
8. Koketso Nkwe (UJ) and Renchia Droganis (CEO and Founder at Africology).
Renchia’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to holistic living will guide Koketso’s future endeavours.
9. Tshenolo Mongale (UJ) and Tina Venter (Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs Executive: Marketing Operations at Absa).
Tina’s corporate marketing and operations expertise will help equip Tshenolo with the skills needed to excel in the corporate world.
10. Thapelo Madlala (UJ) and Sibonile Dube (Head of Communication & Patient Advocacy at Novartis South Africa).
Sibonile’s role at Novartis South Africa will offer Thapelo a unique perspective on healthcare communication and advocacy.
11. Tinyiko Nkuna (UJ) and Hlukani Pinto (Brand Matchmaker, Consultant). Hlukani’s mentorship will help Tinyiko develop her brand management and marketing skills, setting her up for success in the business world.
12. Buhle Motshwene (UJ) and Ramona Kayembe (Head of Brand: Brutal Fruit and Black Crown at AB InBev).
Buhle will explore the intricacies of brand management and marketing under Ramona’s expert guidance.
13. Nthabiseng Mulondo (UJ) and Seema Kandra (Director at Horizon Consultants).
Seema’s mentorship will offer Nthabiseng valuable insights into the consulting industry, equipping her with the tools to excel in her future career.
14. Ntombikayise Nobuhle Nkosi (UJ) and Celia Colins (VP, Publicis Media). Celia’s expertise in media and communications will provide Ntombikayise with a solid foundation to build her career in the media industry.
15. Ntombifuthi Masiza (UJ) and Yithi Zulu (Managing Director at Yithi Multimedia).
Ntombifuthi’s mentorship with Yithi will immerse her in the multimedia world.
16. Katlego Ntshingila (UJ) and Amy Hopkins (PR Communications and Marketing Director at Publicis).
Amy’s extensive experience in public relations and marketing will provide Katlego with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in her chosen field.
17. Nonhlanhla Radebe (UJ) and Xaheida Sayed (Country Director, Futuretech Media).
Xaheida’s leadership and expertise in media will provide Nonhlanhla with valuable insights into the media landscape.
18. Mpho Molekwa (VEGA) and Lynette Naidoo (Managing Director, Publicis). Lynette’s mentorship will offer Mpho valuable insights into leadership and management, equipping her with the tools to excel in the business world.
19. Nikita Quarsingh (VEGA) and Cherise Elias (Agency Manager of Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Absa).
Cherise’s marketing and corporate affairs expertise will provide Nikita with a strong foundation for her career in marketing.
20. Stacey Lazarus (VEGA) and Candice Thurston (Group Managing Executive:
Marketing and Brand Communications at Absa Group).
Candice’s marketing and brand communications leadership will guide Stacey as she embarks on her professional journey.
21. Reabetswe Mabowa (VEGA) and Phumi Dube (Chief Financial Officer at Publicis).
Phumi’s expertise in finance and leadership will provide Reabetswe with valuable knowledge and skills.
22. Thalia Pillay (VEGA) and Sadika Fakir (Executive: Digital Marketing & Media Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Absa).
Sadika’s guidance will be instrumental in shaping Thalia’s career in the digital space.
These mentor-student pairings reflect Phakama Women’s Academy's commitment to nurturing the next generation of female leaders. We’re excited to witness the growth and development that will come from these powerful connections and look forward to celebrating the successes of our students as they embark on their career journeys.
ENDS
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