Ginny in the Boardroom

Written by <a href="index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=userProfile&user=95"><span class="small">Marissa van Zuydam</span></a>

Monday, 16 March 2009 23:54

Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) of the Matsapha Town Board and Nedbank Corporate Business woman of the year 2008-09, Gciniwe Fakudze, is a force to be reckoned with.

Swazi “born and bred”, she completed both primary and High school at St Michaels High School in Manzini. She then proceeded to matriculating at Vector College in Johannesburg in 1996.

At the age of 30, she holds an Honours Degree in Town and Regional Planning, obtained From The University of Witwatersrand (WITS) in 2001. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) through The University of South Africa (UNISA). She was quoted saying,    “It is my prayer and desire that in the next 5 years I attain my MBA which I am currently studying through UNISA, start companies of my own, one of which will be ‘Ginny’ clothing- which I believe is the next big thing yet to come out of Swaziland- and working for a big multinational company in South Africa”

Having Graduated from WITS in 2001, she returned to Swaziland. She worked for Channel Swazi as a News Editor, News Reporter and Reader, scriptwriter and programme presenter, proceeding to being employed by the Municipality of Siteki Town Board, in 2003 as a Town Clerk. In 2005 she advanced to being the CEO of the Matsapha Town Board.

A veteran in her industry, she is not only known for her aggressiveness in the boardroom but also has a lighter side to her. “Spending time with my family and friends helps me de-stress and to unwind, I watch soccer and cycle to get some air into my hair. I also love singing and writing music”.

She holds awards for:
•    “Most Stylish Electronic Media Personality, 2002”
•    “Swaziland’s Most Stylish Personality, 2003”
“I always carry a mirror with me – I am a typical lady after all. My ultimate fashion items are shoes & bags.”

She is also a Member of Redemption Mass Choir, where she shared the stage with the award winning Alicia Keyes and legendary Miriam Makeba in Cape Town in a “Songs for life concert”, to raise funds for HIV/AIDS sufferers.

When asked what her career highlight to date was, she responded: “Winning the Nedbank Corporate Business Woman of the Year 08-09 – it was an affirmation of the work that I do and a higher climb in my career path!”

Her opinion on the kingdom, the leadership and the tinkhundla system of governance, are as follows, “It is part of who we are as a country and a people and our system has ensured that our country remains stable and peaceful”.

If you could be PM for a day what would you change? – “I would cascade down the performance standards he has put on his cabinet to all top government positions to ensure that service delivery is made a priority with set targets. To place the delivery burden on cabinet and Principal Secretaries only is a good start but more positions in the civil service should be performance based as well

Would you change anything about yourself? – “No, God makes no error thus I am perfect for my purpose as I am”,

Five facts about Gciniwe:
1.    Her role model is Hillary Clinton- “I love the woman’s spirit”
2.    She listens to Gospel and some R n B,
3.    Her favourite local artists are S’nethemba Dlamini and Flow D’
4.    “My favorite local destination is Mhlambanyatsi area for the peaceful setting and beautiful scenery”,
5.    Her relationship status – “If it’s a question of my marital status I am single but if it’s a question of choice and preference – both are necessary stages in ones life. One must progress from one to the other, ideally single to married and not the other way round.”

Any words of advice for tomorrow’s leaders? - “Dreaming big is where one starts but that’s not all that leads one to the success that they aspire to be. Hard work is also important and surrounding oneself with the right kind of people that will encourage, build and direct ones life and choices.”

< Prev