Page 8 - KZN Business Sense - Hantie Plomp

ITHALA BELIEVES IN GROWING THEIR

OWN TIMBER

ozipho Ngobese is the issues, and fostering a Through this experience I also
recently appointed Head collaborative work environment. gained a deeper understanding of
Nof Operations at Ithala the complexities of leadership and
SOC Limited. “One of the most rewarding developed the skills needed to lead
aspects of my role is witnessing the diverse teams successfully, which
Following her matriculation, tangible impact of our collective included effective communication,
Nozipho studied computer and efforts, whether its streamlining diversity, and change management.
office administration at Natal processes or overcoming
College before joining Ithala in operational hurdles, seeing positive Another challenge has effectively
October 1993 as a clerk at the outcomes of our work is incredibly balancing priorities. “Juggling
Nongoma Branch. fulfilling. Overall, the ability to multiple tasks and deadlines
drive positive change, empower taught me time management and
After joining Ithala she obtained
a Higher Certificate in Financial others, and contribute to the prioritisation skills. I learned to
overall success of the organisation
focus on what matters most and
Management and Advanced makes each day fulfilling and delegate when necessary to achieve
Project Management Diploma meaningful,” explained Nozipho. optimal results.”
from Damelin. Subsequently,
she completed a Bachelor of Her greatest desire is to drive Current Projects
Administration (BBA) and a positive change, improve and
Postgraduate Diploma in Finance, contribute to the overall success As the banking industry is
Banking, and Investment and growth of Ithala. This will a highly regulated industry,
Management (FBIM) at the be achieved by streamlining and compliance with all the regulatory
University of KwaZulu-Natal continuously improving processes, bodies, including Reserve Bank,
(UKZN). Lastly, she attained enhancing efficiencies and by FSCA, etc is very demanding. As
a Master’s degree in Business fostering a culture of innovation. Ithala SOC Limited is a financial
Leadership (MBL) from UNISA. institution compliance with all
“I have assisted in improving regulatory requirements is essential Nozipho Ngobese from Clerk to Head of Operations
Nozipho’s journey at Ithala the compliance status of Ithala to obtain a full banking license.
reflects a commitment to by spearheading the system The winning recipe for success During weekends she participates
excellence, leadership, and enhancements required to comply “My role is to ensure that from in community engagement
driving positive change within the with relevant regulations as an operations perspective, the Ithala, says Nozipho, is a projects, assisting and supporting
organisation. well as enhancing processes and organisation is sound, operating very resilient institution that students in different to reach
internal controls.” optimally and within all understands that there is no their potential. Nozipho also
“Throughout my career, I regulations which fall within the Ithala without its people – clients
consistently excelled, whether Nozipho prides herself on leading ambit of the Division. and employees. partakes in mental health
as a teller, acting senior teller, by example and demonstrates programmes that create mental
assistant branch manager, or high work ethics, dedication and Ithala has recently completed Ithala actions are centred around health awareness.
branch manager. I focused on integrity that promotes a positive the Operating Model project of its clients’ needs. In addition, “I love spending time with
improving branch performance, work environment amongst which Nozipho was a business the institution nurtures and my grandchildren, they are my
implementing innovative employees also encouraging lead. The Operating Model maintains a culture that prioritises joy and source of inspiration. I
strategies, and prioritising growth and development. ensures Ithala is structured in and is sensitive to the needs and also enjoy gym after work or on
customer service. Her initiatives, Furthermore, she has implemented a manner that will allow the well-being of its people. weekend when I have time.”
such as organising the ‘KwaMashu rotation to ensure multiskilling, institution to deliver its strategy In line with one of its values of
Fun Run’ and running ‘The Soup risk mitigation, and effective optimally and in a cost-effective empowerment, Ithala ensures that Message of support for Ithala
Kitchen’, garnered community succession planning. way putting their clients at the it grows with its people. Talent SOC Limited’s customers
support and recognition. These centre of everything that they do. management, development and In conclusion says Nozipho,
efforts, combined with effective “I believe in nurturing the Currently, Operations Division upliftment programmes cater for “We appreciate the loyalty and
teamwork and stakeholder young bankers especially in is in the process of establishing employees at different levels and support that we continue to get
engagement, led to accolades such my department and the new an Operations Processing Centre opportunities for growth are first from all our clients especially
as Branch of the Year. talents appointed as part of (OPC) that will offer a centralised given to internal staff members. A
Ithala experiential learning. My during these challenging times
Other successful projects that she intention is to make them pioneers back-end solution for the happy and competent employee is a of economic instability, etc.,
has led include: in the banking industry and consolidation of diverse banking basic and fundamental ingredient including our clients in deep
■ Know Your Client Remediation assisting them in reaching their operations. The benefits are the for Ithala’s endeavours of success. rural areas where Ithala is the
elimination of redundant and/
Project full potential.” or duplicated activities within “From an Operations point of only existing financial institution.
■ Back-scanning Project “Lastly, I wish to promote mental the value chain and will grant the view, key to playing a role in the These are areas that are
■ Financial Data Restoration Project health awareness, especially in front-end staff the opportunity success of the organisation, is challenging to serve and Ithala is
■ Data Cleansing Project management level to ensure that to focus on revenue generating remaining agile, keeping up with committed to continue providing
financial services in these areas
industry trends and competent
■ Financial Education to we are all consciously aware activities. The OPC will improve in servicing the requirements of in line with our commitment to
Government Department of its impact and be able to be the utilisation of scarce resources internal and external stakeholders. financial inclusion. We are here to
■ Designing and implementing accommodative to those who are which will lead to cost benefits This involves having the right service you; we are here for each
32 days’ notice product struggling with mental health for the organisation. Further to people, with the right skills sets one of you. We stand by you with
■ Hosted Banking System Project issues and/or illnesses. Moreover, this, it will mitigate financial and in the right positions. Further to unwavering support. Your loyalty
to be able to identify and be aware operational risks. this, it also involves continuous and trust are our motivation and
Over the years, Nozipho earned when professional help is required improvement of our systems, together we will navigate through
a series of promotions based on or is the only solution.” Toughest decision processes and mechanisms which any obstacles. Thank you for
her exceptional performance and A defining moment of drive the Division towards the trusting us with your money and
continued to advance within the Challenges Experienced Nozipho’s career was when successful execution of its mandate, for choosing us as your financial
company, assuming roles such One of the challenges Nozipho she courageously took a stand and to also eliminate silo-centricity, partner. We will continue to
as Area Manager, Regional Sales encountered in her career was against unethical behaviour, through collaborative effort not
Manager, and ultimately, Head of being promoted to a leadership prioritising integrity, and only within the Division, but Ithala service you with integrity.” 
Operations in 2023. position as the newest member of ethical values over personal as a whole.”
the team or the last one to join. safety. Despite the potential Please do not hesitate to contact Ithala
through their call centre or visit your
A typical day This meant leading colleagues who consequences, she remained Time Out nearest branch when you have a concern,
As operations is very hectic had been part of the department steadfast in her conviction. “This Nozipho enjoys reading in her compliment, suggestion, or query. You can
in nature; Nozipho’s primary for a longer period and some whom experience not only reinforced spare time as this helps her to think also reach them on their social platforms.

role is ensure the smooth she had previously reporting to. my commitment to ethical outside the box and be creative. www.myithala.co.za
execution of daily operations. “I learned the importance of principles but also demonstrated She also enjoys watching webinars
Consequently, throughout each building trust and credibility my resilience and unwavering on YouTube and other videos
day, she remains accessible to by demonstrating competence, dedication to uphold integrity in that stimulate her mind, improve
her team and other departments, humility and respect for my team the workplace in line with one of knowledge, and keep her informed
providing guidance, resolving Ithala’s value of Integrity.”
members expertise and experience. on different topics of interest.

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