Rebecca Govender
The Presence Coordinator for Mpumalanga, Rebecca Govender’s core function is to ensure maximum exposure of products and promotions in the market. She supports the commercial team with advertising, communicating, executing and tracking of promotions and identifying new opportunities to drive sales and grow volume.
In 2010, Rebecca relocated to Mbombela as a plant maintenance planner. Unfortunately, in 2016, the manufacturing plant closed, but she was offered a position in the commercial department as the presence co-ordinator. “Being in an unfamiliar workspace seemed daunting, but I have learnt and gained so much insight and understand the nature of our business on a much deeper level,” Rebecca says, adding that her greatest satisfaction is seeing the positive outcome from the support she gives to the sales team.
She believes the top three qualities a woman needs to thrive in the workplace are self-respect, positivity and resilience
“What is great is how CCBSA recognises women for the skills, talents and potential they bring to the team, allowing them to showcase this in integral positions,” she adds.
Rebecca’s definition of success is being able to live a long, purposeful, comfortable and healthy life, spent in the company of her loved ones, and she believes the top three qualities a woman needs to thrive in the workplace are self-respect, positivity and resilience. “I aspire to give my children, Savannah and Ethan, everything they deserve and more,” she smiles. “This keeps me motivated and constantly drives me to push the boundaries of my limitations. I also believe that a woman’s secret weapon is compassion, and I try to bring that into everything I do.”
My ultimate goal in life is to ensure that my children are self-sufficient, successful and well established for their journey in life
Rebecca loves spending quality time with Mother Nature, being outdoors, going on hikes, visiting game reserves, fishing and camping.
“I also spend a lot of my free time reading,” she says, “and I love researching material that will benefit the well-being of my family, such as holiday destinations, new recipes and health and fitness ideas. My ultimate goal in life is to ensure that my children are self-sufficient, successful and well established for their journey in life.”
With the spotlight on women’s empowerment, Rebecca’s message to young and ambitious women out there is that they can achieve anything their heart desires if they set their mind to it. “Always remember that climbing up a ladder starts one step at a time; always keeping the end goal in focus. The most important part is getting on that first step. And stay positive – I believe the best outfit is never complete without a radiant, optimistic attitude!”
Madzaleni Ndhlozi
CCBSA Area Manager for the Mpumalanga district, Madzaleni Ndhlozi, says she loves her work at the company. Her role is to build strong relationships with local communities and relevant stakeholders, implementing the regional business plan to meet and exceed targets and providing leadership, coaching and capability development to be able to meet growth objectives.
Madzaleni started her CCBSA career in 2010 as an Account Developer in Polokwane, and gradually grew through the ranks until she was appointed area manager in 2020, a job she loves. “Especially the curve balls,” she laughs. “It’s a new challenge every day and you have to think on your feet. This job definitely made me excel in change management, which is a crucial skill to possess as a leader today.”
You have to have the ability and willingness to change in order to suit different conditions, elevate others, keep a positive attitude and see failure as a form of helpful feedback
When it comes to the top qualities a woman must have in business, Madzaleni doesn’t hesitate to say adaptability, collaboration and resilience. “You have to have the ability and willingness to change in order to suit different conditions, elevate others, keep a positive attitude and see failure as a form of helpful feedback,” she smiles. “I guess emotional intelligence goes without saying. My definition of success is when everything that you have worked for and strived for happens. My biggest achievements are winning District of the Year for two consecutive years, in 2021 and 2022. And I’m so proud to say I have won best performing area manager in the region not once, but multiple times,” she smiles broadly.
This achievement stands Madzaleni in good stead when it comes to mentoring and coaching others, which ultimately is what drives and motivates her. “Seeing others reach their full potential inspires me and gives me a sense of fulfilment. I’m also motivated by the fact that despite a late diagnosis of ADHD, I can still live a balanced life and have a successful career. Balance in everything is crucial, and I truly believe that as women, our secret weapons are kindness, generosity and consideration. Kindness goes a long way towards making us great leaders in this somewhat overwhelming era.”
My advice to young women who want to climb the corporate ladder is to slow down, be content and be kind to your young self
She points out that over the years there has been a paradigm shift when it comes to women in leadership. “CCBSA is a better place today for both men and women, and we enjoy a very healthy working environment. My advice to young women who want to climb the corporate ladder is to slow down, be content and be kind to your young self. Lead a purposeful life, for the world is full of opportunities, irrespective of your gender.”
Madzaleni loves to indulge in a glass of red wine and a good book in her free time, and is currently reading Think Faster, Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams. She laughs as she says that she never leaves home without her watch and sneakers, because “time is money, and I need comfortable shoes on a daily basis to walk the trade!” Spending quality time with her children, Theodoric and Cleopatra, is what makes this dynamic woman tick. “I make time for them no matter what,” she says. “They are the reason I am a high achiever and I keep soldiering on.”
