Former head girl takes full advantage at Unilever
“That was such a fun time. Matric was stressful on its own and I thought this would make it more strenuous, but instead I enjoyed myself.
“Being headgirl taught me so much about building relationships and helping young women like myself be better people. I also just tried to do my best in inspiring young women and leaving a mark,” said Vabaza.
She said at the time she hadn’t fully grasped the magnitude of her achievement.
“It was such a humbling time. I did not realise at the time what a big deal it was. However, I did realise the statement my election made at the time.
“South Africa had reached a different time and colour no longer limited one in pursuing a dream,” she said.
Vabaza, now 25, joined Unilever’s Future Leader development programme in 2011 after graduating from the University of Cape Town with a BCom degree majoring in philosophy, politics and economics.
“The company holds career fairs at different varsities every year. I was in my second year when they approached me about joining the programme.
“I was mostly attracted by the leadership development aspect of it, knowing that the programme would utilise my skills and equip me to be a better leader,” said Vabaza.
She is currently a management trainee. The three-year programme exposes trainees to all the various departments. “Right now I am in marketing working as a brand management assistant.
“My main focus is customer development which I was involved in for the first two years,” she said.
Vabaza said that she was excited about the final phase of the programme which would see her spend six months in Singapore. “That is exciting. “I will be working on assignments with our counterparts there, so it’s really the cultural exchange that I am looking forward to.
“At DSG we had pupils from all walks of life and I am looking forward to continuing that exchange,” said Vabaza.
She also spoke about her future plans which included “going global”. “The world is finally waking up to the undiscovered treasure that is Africa and I just want to be part of contributing to Africa’s development, and its stake in the global arena.”
Vabaza said that she had gained immense knowledge and growth from the leadership programme.
“I assumed that I would be treated as a typical intern, running errands for people and making coffee but not here.
“I really appreciated that aspect because here we were expected to hit the ground running,” said Vabaza.
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