Page 28 - KZN Top Business Women 2022 Powed by DRG & BusinessFit SA

passions, it’s my purpose; making a difference Sinqobile’s advice is don’t give up; it’s not
SINQOBILE KHULUSE, CHIEF PEOPLE in the trajectory of people’s lives and making going to be perfect but it’s definitely going
OFFICER. SANDOCK AUSTRAL GROUP an impact, that really excites me. I’m enjoying to be worth it. Very often we try to plan as
HOLDING COMPANY my HR journey – HR has stolen my heart.” much as we can and picture our lives, we set
goals and very often compare ourselves to
HER BIGGEST INSPIRATION
INQOBILE KHULUSE is an attorney our peers.
by profession. She currently works Reflecting on what has inspired her, she says “I live by a beautiful quotation I came across,
for Sandock Austral Group Holding that her biggest inspiration is her mom who it said – life is tough my darling but so are
SCompany as the Chief People Officer. Sinqobile said has always been a strong, you. I think it’s that resilience that we need
Sinqobile is a member of the Durban Chamber courageous woman. She started working as to build into young people, so that they know
of Commerce and Industry Council and is the a social worker and worked her way up in the we are not all going to progress at the same
Chairperson of the Manufacturing Forum. department of social development. pace. We are not all going to achieve the same

Sinqobile is responsible for everything people “She steered our family and put us through milestones and we set high expectations on
related in driving the Human Resource (HR) school. My mom is a real hard worker. Her ourselves. It’s good to be ambitious but know
strategy, planning and policies. The core courage and resilience is what I draw strength that not everything you want for yourself will
business of the Group is in the naval ship from and everything she does, she does with come at a time when you want it or plan it.
building and ship repair with operations based so much care and patience. She has been very Be strong in your faith, that will build your
in Bayhead precinct. She is responsible for the supportive in my career,” said Sinqobile. resilience, I pray a lot, I meditate, and I ask
end-to-end HR offering that includes talent God for guidance, and I know that everything
acquisition, organisational development, and Outside of her mom, Sinqobile draws inspiration happens for a reason, so I’ve just got to
organisational effectiveness, helping to support from various people like Brené Brown who talks embrace the challenge. So, my advice is to be
the execution of ship building and other projects a lot about leading with bravery and courage. brave, the thing the scares you the most, that
in the organisation. She is also a fan of Vusi Thembekwayo – The challenges you the most, go for that and grab
Black Dragon. “For a lot of young people like me it with both hands.”
After high school, Sinqobile pursued her who come from the township, we now know
studies towards a BA and LLB degree. that the world is full of possibilities, and you In terms of her personal life, Sinqobile is a mom
She completed her articles and went into shouldn’t limit yourself to where you are, there of three, she has two daughters and one little
practice. As Sinqobile has always had a love are so many opportunities out there. I draw boy who is five years old. They live with her
for employment law, she spent some time inspiration from people that take the courage fiancée. Sinqobile says that she is blessed to
specialising in employment law. to do things that are less popular and the still have her mom and dad who play a big part
courage to do the things that are not so easy.” in her life and provide that support structure
Sinqobile was in the midst of studying towards that she needs.
a masters in employment law when she was LIFTING AS WE RISE
offered a great opportunity to join a labour Sinqobile says that she loves travelling. “I love
boutique firm. A short while later she was Most importantly, says Sinqobile, she has set a seeing new places and tasting new culinary
offered an amazing opportunity to become goal for herself to tell her story and to continue delights. I want to believe that I’m very
their senior manager heading up their labour to encourage other women and young people. adventurous. I always want to try something new,
relations. Sinqobile moved across into a more She says, “I strongly believe in lifting as we if there’s a new restaurant, I’ll be the first one in
corporate role and was then promoted to a rise. As my life has had challenges, it’s very the queue wanting to see what it has to offer.”
sister company as Human Resources Director. important for me to tell my story. It becomes
like a treasure map or a guide of sorts to people In conclusion, says Sinqobile, “The name
She explained, “That’s how I transitioned from who are still starting out into their careers.” Sinqobile in Zulu means that we have
being an attorney into being in the HR space succeeded. And that’s what I always carry as
and I am thriving. I am really enjoying the “Most interestingly, you don’t have to have part of my journey and purpose; that is in the
challenge. To me it’s much more vibrant than everything worked out, you don’t have to have togetherness that we preach as Africans – a
the legal field. It’s agile and flexible, fast paced, everything scripted, it’s quite possible for culture of Ubuntu. I am because you are, my
and most importantly, I get to interact and you to go from studying law into HR and into success is everyone’s success. I hope that I
impact people’s lives. That for me is one of my business, the possibilities are endless.” continue to fulfil my parents’ prophecy.”

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