Brenda has done her fair share of moving around over the years, but is happy to call Mbombela home for the time being. She smilingly says that it is a case of ‘wherever I lay my head is home’. “My son has even told me on several occasions that he really hopes that this time we stay put, as he really doesn’t want to move again!”
Brenda’s career started off in the field of commerce teaching, although deep down she always knew she wouldn’t be a teacher for long. Three years later she joined an NGO affiliated with the Women’s World Bank, which placed her squarely on an international platform. “The organisation was responsible for assisting women to start their own income-generating projects in order to be self-sufficient,” she explains. “This was my career springboard and breakthrough; it exposed me to so much more than I was used to.”
From there Brenda joined another skills training institute that offered her a scholarship from the British Council to study in the United Kingdom, where she completed her masters in business administration with the Durham University Business School. Since then, Brenda’s career has taken many turns, from negotiating trade talks to working with industrial development zones, both locally and internationally. But her true passion has always lain with making a difference in people’s lives, specifically when it comes to gender issues.
In 2021, Brenda followed her heart and established The Mentorship Academy (TMA), an organisation based on helping young women to succeed. “TMA focuses on the guidance of young women,” she says, “the whole aim of which is to build a pipeline of young women who are confident enough and equipped to take up leadership roles, women who are supported and empowered enough to deal with the traditional difficulties they face, whatever prevents them from reaching their goals.”
There were so many challenges, the worst of which was gender discrimination. I looked back and realised that if I had had a mentor, things would have been that much easier
Brenda describes the difficulties she experienced during her career. “There were so many challenges, the worst of which was gender discrimination. I looked back and realised that if I had had a mentor, things would have been that much easier. However, through the many challenges, I was always able to bounce back, but not everyone is as resilient, and I also think it comes down to self-worth. I wanted to establish a platform on which young women can be mentored by experienced men and women, men and women with a vast wealth of leadership experience.”
Brenda’s most challenging times were experienced between the ages of 25 and 35. Research shows that this is the most critical stage in a women’s life cycle, the age when many women are establishing their careers or experiencing significant advancements. “It involves balancing career aspirations with personal goals, such as starting a family, perhaps dealing with fertility concerns, financial considerations and societal expectations, etc. This can be stressful, and without any help or guidance, you can easily give up on your dreams. What was even more of a problem for me was the lack of ambition – how few young women aspired to leadership roles. My vision is to help them unleash their hidden leadership potential.”
One of the great things about the digital age is how it connects people from all over, and TMA is no exception. Brenda’s mentors come from all over the world, which means she travels more often than not. “My work life is highly demanding, and I sometimes find it difficult to balance the many roles, especially being a present mother to my son, Umelwe [12], and my family, which includes Jaden, our little dog. I also have to find time for my studies! I’m currently doing research with the University of Northampton in the UK, which comes with its own challenges. My family is very supportive, which really helps me to cope.”
Brenda describes herself as resilient, determined and a go-getter. She is inspired by interactions with friends, family, colleagues, mentors and even strangers. “I love learning from other people’s experiences,” she smiles. “Ideas and perspectives motivate and challenge me to always explore new possibilities, and overcoming obstacles is a powerful source of inspiration – it makes me discover my inner strength and determination.”
When Brenda is at home, she loves spending time with Umelwe and Jaden, and their favourite place to go to is Kaapsehoop. “It’s quiet but adventurous,” she says, “Umelwe can go horse riding, we can go walking along the trails – it’s peaceful and beautiful. And there are so many places to sit and have a quiet meal in lovely surroundings.”
Brenda has already helped countless young mentees to see their potential and set the stage for great things. She stresses that young people must realise the sole responsibility for defining their future lies with them. “I always say the world is your oyster and a positive attitude will always help you to navigate tough times and challenges. Complaining and doubting yourself will not help at all. Try something new, seek help, and above all, never give up.”
And I’m still aiming high. I always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives
Right now, this dynamic woman’s main priority is to finish her research with the University of Northampton, and then to complete her doctorate. “To be honest, I have always seen myself in a much higher position than I am in now – although, having said that, I am quite happy with what I have achieved,” she smiles. “And I’m still aiming high. I always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, I wanted to break the norm and be involved in providing solutions. I just knew I did not ever want to be ordinary.”
