SINQOBILE AYANDA NOMZAMO KHULUSE: Director – HR at Hesto Harnesses (Pty) Ltd
FULL PROFILE
#AutomotiveAllies: Sinqobile Ayanda Nomzamo Khuluse, nominated by Paul Vermaak, Mahesh Iyavoo and Rajen Naidoo, is the Director for Human Resources at Hesto Harnesses, which is part of the Metair Group. This is a position she has held for nearly four years. Not only is Sinqobile the first black female to occupy this position, but she is also the youngest Director in the Metair Group. By profession, Sinqobile is an attorney and whilst being the Director of HR, she is also a mother to three beautiful children and completing a Master of Laws in Advanced Labour Law.
Being brought up by modest parents, Sinqobile’s mother, who was a social worker, taught her humility and humanity. Additionally, in her culture, they are taught umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, values that Sinqobile holds dear and have led her to value ubuntu, integrity, kindness and transparency. These are all values that Sinqobile brings to her job, where she is responsible for leading the Transformation, inclusivity and diversity agenda in the Company.
Her role in the company has allowed Sinqobile to see women grow in such a male dominated sector, an opportunity that she describes as invaluable. Having gained insight from her own career and opportunities and watching other women grow in this space, Sinqobile has quickly learnt that if you are fortunate enough to gain a seat at the table, then you need to make it count. This is something she has been able to do in her role of driving Transformation within Hesto Harnesses.
Despite still being very young, Sinqobile offers some advice to her younger self and women in and entering the industry:
#ThingsIWishIKnew – although I am still very young, I think the one thing that I would say to my younger self, never give up on living your dreams. I had to work my way through University to get through my studies I worked once in a casino and studied in the toilets during my lunch breaks, I would sleep mostly in the taxi going home because as soon as I got home I had to get ready to go to lectures in the morning. I am still on a journey, I believe that there is so much more for me to accomplish.
#TheFutureIsFemale: women need to step up and support each other more. We need to realise that we are as equally deserving of a seat at the table. Our daughters need to see us taking charge and moving into various roles in Organisations, not because we are being invited in but because we have made space for each other to grow into the seats. Men are confident and take up any role. Whether they are qualified or not, men see opportunities and grab them with both hands whilst women are hesitant and not sure of ourselves. Men get more not because they deserve more but because they ask for more, they demand more. Women need to step up. I believe that if someone gives you a huge opportunity and you are not sure if you can do it, say yes then try and figure it out along the way.
