A passion for raising financial literacy levels
Bongani Mageba is the CEO of TIH Advisory
Tell me about TIH Advisory and your work as the CEO.
TIH Advisory is a multiproduct, multibranded financial advisory network. I was appointed as CEO in 2022 and, together with a team of financial advisers, assist individuals and business owners to craft tailored financial plans for a secure future. We provide guidance on a wide range of personal and business short- and long-term insurance solutions as well as wealth planning options, aligning with clients’ specific needs and objectives. Our goal is to become a digitally enabled, data-led, full-service advisory business.
What do you think makes you good at what you do?
Primarily I attribute my effectiveness to my belief in the collective strength of my team and the understanding that leadership revolves around empowering others rather than oneself. I also have a passion for providing South Africans with much-needed reliable financial advice that secures futures and assists in upskilling financial literacy levels. On a personal level I possess a clear sense of purpose in life, coupled with the capacity to navigate between strategic vision and operational execution as circumstances dictate.
What part of your job would you prefer to outsource?
As I’m spearheading the establishment of a business from its inception, I operate as an intrapreneur. Consequently, there are no particular aspects of the business that I would seek to outsource. I prefer to remain at the coalface of all facets of the business’s development, though we do engage external providers, who are the best of the best at what they do, for specialised services where necessary.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
Growing up in the pre-1994 era in Umlazi township, typical childhood career aspirations revolved around professions such as becoming a medical doctor or teacher. However, during my high school years I developed a clear aspiration to pursue a career in law, and this is what I studied as my first qualification. While I may not be actively practising law now, I find fulfilment in the balance between the practical aspects of business and the academic pursuits that have shaped my journey.
What advice do you have for young South Africans at the start of their careers?
I would advise young South Africans to maintain an open-minded approach to exploring various career paths, while remaining steadfastly attuned to their passions and strengths. My own career trajectory has been guided by this principle, which has proven effective in fostering personal and professional growth.
How have you decided which career advice to take, and which to ignore?
Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to encounter exceptional mentors and leaders who have offered invaluable career guidance. However, I’ve always maintained a clear understanding of my life’s objectives, which serves as a compass for evaluating the relevance of advice to my goals. I prioritise advice that aligns with both present circumstances and future aspirations, ensuring that decisions are grounded in strategic foresight.