Getting to know Thebe Ya Mosadi.

By Sherole Webster

In the workplace filled with budding professionals, it is important to maintain some sort of balance. Creating spaces where people can feel empowered and comfortable enough to openly discuss matters which concern them; be it professionally or personally is equally as important.

Thebe Ya Mosadi was established as a Women’s Forum on the very premise of providing the women of the Thebe Group the opportunity to be empowered at all levels.

Being the captain of such a ship is not the easiest of jobs but is not impossible either. Having the right team together with a clear vision and understanding the magnitude of such a forum has held Refiloe Nkadimeng in good stead. Thebe Times took to finding out more about the custodian of Thebe Ya Mosadi.

T.T: When did you begin custodianship of Thebe Ya Mosadi (TYM)?

I assumed the role of Thebe Ya Mosadi custodian when I joined Thebe on 18 August 2014. I took over this role from Zukie Siyotula who had steered the ship in the interim between my accession and Dineo Molefe’s departure. Dineo Molefe had founded the forum in 2012.
T.T: How would you describe the journey thus far?

The journey so far has been amazing. We’ve had two events, one held in February 2015, with the aim of focusing on the Journey of Womanhood. We had various speakers, we even had some of the Thebe Group Employees as the MC’s of the two sessions on the day. This made me realise that in every organisation there are hidden jewels waiting to be uncovered. The Journey of Womanhood covered Linda Vilakazi who is one of the Thebe Foundation’s Directors. She shared her journey in the professional world. Adelaide Matlejoane shared with us a journey of life while Lerato Matsau took us through a journey of self-mastery.

The second event was a celebratory lunch. Our event was themed “Wellness: finding your work life balance”. The event had a range of speakers from Penny Lebyane, taking us through her journey of life and her conquering Kilimanjaro, the issue of women and nutrition was covered by Nicci Robertson, living a balanced empowered life was covered by Marcia Eugenio. We also got answers to the question on whether Image is everything from Claire Mawisa.

The support that we had received from the Thebe Group and business associates was amazing. As Thebe Ya Mosadi we will always treasure that.

T.T: What have been your experiences as the custodian? What are some of the highlights?

The highlights for me were the two events that we had last year. Where we started with the journey of womanhood and ended the year with discussions around wellness. The two themes stood out for me. How the committee members came together to make an event happen; this is where I saw the power of teamwork. That made me realise that together we can conquer anything.

I am hopeful that we can always bring to the women of Thebe inspirational and empowering speakers that help our women advance in their careers within the organisation.

T.T: With Vision 2020 fast approaching, what is your vision and/or plan for TYM going forward? How does TYM contribute to the overall 2020 Vision?

As research has indicated, some of the best performing companies are those with women in management positions. As Thebe Ya Mosadi we are committed to our vision of the empowerment of women. Creating the balance is what makes the companies grow. By developing the women of Thebe we are basically creating successors within the Group. Women who will be ready to lead on any platform that presents itself.
Success for me will be defined by us managing to keep 200 girl children in school every year and for those girls to finish school and become the women within Thebe helping to lead the organisation into the future through our partnership with the Caring4Girls initiative.

T.T: What are some of the plans or activities of TYM that you are looking forward to?

I am looking forward to the plenary session with the committee which we will hold in January 2016. That will inform how TYM will operate going forward.

We also looking forward to starting the year with the collection of sanitary towels as well as monetary donations to ensure we reach many learners who need them most. We hope that everyone (even the men of Thebe Esquire) participate in keeping a girl child at school. The minimum donation will be R30 however each person can donate any amount. Our target is to keep 200 girl children in school for the whole year. Various communications will follow via email and through HR practitioners regarding the monetary donations as well as through the Thebe times.

T.T: How has being the custodian of TYM contributed to your personal growth?

Personally I get inspired when I see young women of Thebe taking an opportunity to learn and assume leadership opportunities.Every time when we get together, I get inspired to perform better than I did before.

T.T: Any words of wisdom you’d like to share with both:

a) The women of TYM, and

I’d like for the women of Thebe to ponder over one of my personal favourite poems;
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of god. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make and manifest the glory of god that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
-Marianne Williamson

b) The men of Thebe Esquire

It’s a short message which is to empower and support women. This is the only way we can sustain organisations. Always remember that a balanced team always performs better.