From junior clerk to head of operations after varsity bomb
CLIMBING the corporate ladder is
Nozipho Ngobese, who has spent over three decades at Ithala SOC Limited.
Hailing from Nongoma, she started her career as a junior clerk and is now head of operations.
Although she originally wanted to become a chartered accountant, the university fees proved too high as her two older brothers were already in tertiary education.
Recalling the moment she was told she could not attend varsity, she said, “It was so painful for me when my hopes of studying accounting were crushed. But I did not give up, I was determined to continue my studies and get a decent job.”
This mindset has seen Nozipho rise in her career; never allowing herself to become a victim but rather finding a solution for her desired outcome.
A study career rise
She soon enrolled in computer and office administration short courses, taking a job as an entry-level clerk at Ithala’s Nongoma branch.
Little did she know this was just the beginning of her success in the company.
“I always wanted to work at Ithala because the company’s ideals align with my values. I grew up in a rural area and the company is committed to empowering people living in rural areas,” she said.
Over her 30-year career, Nozipho has held various positions, including teller, senior teller, assistant branch manager, business development and special projects manager, and now head of operations.
Empowering others
With new positions came a change of scenery to which she quickly adapted, introducing new products, and improving customer service and staff morale.
Nozipho also obtained Master in Business Leadership, a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Diploma in
Finance, Banking and Investment
Management qualifications.
“You cannot grow without growing your people. I have helped many high school and tertiary students with free tuition and advice.
“I want to continue helping struggling students and women with the potential to reach the top.”
Nozipho’s greatest strength is her strategic and analytical thinking, which helped turn around the performance of struggling branches.
She attributes her success to her father who helped her to speak up.
“I used to be incredibly quiet, but my father encouraged me to come out of my shell. Today I can engage freely,” she said.