Ndumi Mthethwa: A business-oriented young woman
MBABANE – As the world celebrated International Women’s Day last Friday, it was a time to applaud the many who are breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and making history.
Last week Saturday, the smell of elegance and ambience was felt when women and men from different sectors come out in style, dressed in elegant black outfits for a business dinner organised by Ndumi Mthethwa.
This was the second edition of the event and it attracted the who’s who from different fields including arts, banking and business.
Mthethwa is a daughter to one of the most successful women in the country-Sylvia Mthethwa, who happens to be a former politician as she was part of the 11th Parliament at Senate.
Together with her husband, Musa, Slvia has built her own business empire and cemented herself in different business sectors.
DEDICATED
It appears that Ndumi is following in the footsteps of her parents and is dedicated to instilling the entrepreneurial spirit in other people especially, young women.
In her speech, she made it known that her parents had groomed her the best way.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank my parents for the endless support they constantly give to me. I am who I am today because of my parents. I think my siblings can also attest to this. Our parents are very supportive. My parents have three principles that they live by. These are: Be educated, be independent and have a relationship with God, she said.
She mentioned that her parents always insisted that, by virtue of the fact that they have provided her with basics such as education, shelter and food, they have played their part. Unfortunately, she says, there are some things parents cannot teach their children, to prepare them for the world.
“Some things we have to learn on our own make mistakes and rise again. Most people have the assumption that we are fed with a silver spoon and are spoilt. The truth of the matter is, that our parents instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in each and every single one of us. We actually work to get what we want. We are not treated any different. We are a family that stands on business.’’
Talking about the event itself, Ndumi explained that it was meant to build and foster long lasting relationships and potential partnerships among the attendees.
The ultimate goal, she said, is to form a well-neated group of entrepreneurs, who will only get to know each other on a personal level, but will grow and make money together.
PERSONALLY
“I think that networking plays a pivotal role in the world of business. You can’t succeed on your own. You need people. I’ve personally fallen short of this statement because I used to think that I don’t need people to help me. I’ve had to train my brain and make it understand that you can’t be a great leader if you cannot work with people. Part of the journey to success is learning from others, no matter their title and experiences. There is a lot you can learn from someone. Be humble and never look down on anyone, even if you feel you have made it in life.’’
In terms of the future of the event, Ndumi explains that she is one goal-oriented individual.
TRANSITION
“I don’t just think locally, but I also think globally. I try not to be hard on myself, like the butterfly, I’m still in my pupa (the transition stage). I’ll eventually start flying soon. In my flying stages I anticipate bringing in internationally well-known business people to come and speak and impart their valuable knowledge with us. As the saying goes ‘global change starts at home’, I anticipate this event blossoming and becoming one of the greatest events not to be missed in Eswatini because of its uniqueness and its elegance.’’
With the high levels of unemployment statistics in Eswatini, Ndumi says she is full of praises for all young people who have decided to take the risk of starting a new business.
She admits that, it is not an easy task, but that if one has a vision, coupled with a proper plan and execution strategy, nothing is impossible.
EXISTENCE
“If you want success, speak it into existence and the universe will work in your favour. I want to raise an army of young people who are not afraid to fail. An army of young people who can say I can do all things through Christ, who strengths me. An army of young people who will walk into boardrooms and sell a good pitch, an army of young people who are not afraid to speak with confidence and take up space. Also, I want an army of young people who will get those tenders thorough effective negotiation strategies, an army of young people that will shoot for the stars and keep collecting them one by one.’’
One of the invited guests at the event was corporate guru and fashionista Gciniwe Fakudze.
In her speech, she shared with the attendees the concept of personal branding as an entrepreneur.
Fakudze mentioned that in today’s competitive landscape, personal branding is crucial for entrepreneurs seeking to stand out and thrive.
“It’s more than just a fancy bio or a snazzy logo, but it is about it’s about crafting a compelling narrative that aligns with your business and resonates with your target audience,” Fakudze said.