Page 37 - Winning Women 2017

BWASA 37

Advancing women in business through

MENTORSHIP have received two mentors who were
MENTORSHIP
Wood, a mother of two, was glad to
in the same phase as she was.
“I learnt that family still comes first
and by working smarter one can find
PHELOKAZI MBUDE the right balance.”
“ “
Makonxa is a social worker who
nthusiasm, passion, growth and started her own private practice and
development. That’s the bottom founded Lithalakhe Training Provider.
Eline of the mentorship The search for a neutral, external
programme. person to give her constructive
Established in 2006, the I think the programme is criticism on her business resulted in
Businesswomen’s Association vital. Their answers and Makonxa joining the programme in
mentorship programme in the Port comments are unbiased March.
Elizabeth branch has blossomed with “It has helped me personally to look
more than 600 members mentored and with their experience at my focus on what I need to
over the years. often tried and tested benefit from the business. It is not
Branch chairperson Michelle Brown about stepping up the ladder of
spoke strongly about the importance profession or business but also being
of mentorship: “It speaks to exactly June and July to November. able to maintain and survive out of
what we promulgate: the vision of “The mentees have fed back to us it,” she said.
growing and empowering women in all stories of enthusiasm, passion, growth “We encourage the mentees to ‘pay it
spheres of business – from and development not only within their forward’ after their semester,” said
entrepreneur to professional, from field of expertise, but beyond”, said Brown.
corporate to emerging entrepreneur.” Brown. “This is a process of sharing “The mentees have told us that they
“Definitely yes,” Nozithembiso and it works!” learn so much from their mentorship
Makonxa, a mentee in the programme “I think the programme is vital. that they gladly share with colleagues,
agreed. Their answers and comments are daughters, younger women and that,
“Mentors help you to grow, move out unbiased and, with their experience, for us, is vital.”
of your comfort zone, face business often tried and tested,” said Tricia Makonxa and Wood found great
challenges head on and help you to Wood, who has been mentored. value in being part of this mentorship
change your thinking and practically Wood decided to join the programme programme.
act on your gaps.” in March after being an association “I honestly wish I started with the
This programme paired one mentee member since 2011. mentorship programme earlier in my
with two mentors, who shared “I recently started working at a new career,” said Wood.
valuable knowledge and expertise company and needed some personal “What I learnt from my mentors
over a five-month semester. and business guidance from during our five months together has
The semesters ran from February to experienced professionals,” she said. been invaluable.”

PHOTO: ISTOCK