African Bank celebrates its own women this Women’s Month and ‘Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.’ in the words of the late Maya Angelou. The bank celebrates three of its own top female executives, CEO Basani Maluleke; Lindiwe Miyambu, Group Executive: Human Capital; and Chief Information Officer, Penny Futter.
CEO Basani Maluleke
Maluleka believes the strong support structure throughout her entire 16+ years in the financial industry kept her going.
“I have faced many obstacles during my career, but my support structure has seen me through each time. These people are always there to provide perspective, guidance, a shoulder to cry on and anything else that may be required to overcome adversity, as well as to join me in celebrating success,”
“The outbreak of COVID -19 and its impact on the economy and our business has been the biggest test I have had to face, both personally and professionally.”
There are so many disruptions in life and the bank’s CEO is aware that COVID-19 will not be the last of it.
“As a sector, we need to find ways of advancing lives through the provision of financial and related services. We need to create opportunities for customers, employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to improve their lives so they can build resilience to survive the next disruption.”
“I hope that when the pandemic finally leaves us we will have been left with a lasting sense of our interconnectedness and the need to create value not just for ourselves and those closest to us, but also for those who need it most. Never before has the importance of doing well, while doing good, been more relevant.”
Lindiwe Miyambu, Group Executive: Human Capital
Lindiwe as well as the CEO of the banks believes that hard times are inevitable and should be prepared for at all times.
“I still believe that there is no substitute for working hard, but I also think that there is a lot of truth in the saying ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’”
Lindiwe finds inspiration in people, “I’ve found that these people create a support structure that really helps to keep you on track when you face a challenge – especially since women encounter countless obstacles as they try to raise kids while succeeding in the corporate world.”
Chief Information Officer, Penny Futter
“There are many things that I have struggled with in my career, but I know that if I keep working and refuse to give up, there is very little, given time, that I won’t be able to do.”
Penny is much of a hard worker as the bank’s CEO, Miyambu as well as perseverance.
“This year’s challenge has been unprecedented. I have obviously found working from home very different and I miss my colleagues and face-to-face engagement.
“I am comfortable to show my colleagues my vulnerable side. In fact, it has been a fantastic source of support when I have needed it. It is always very comforting to know that we are not alone when we are going through a difficult period. I make a point of minimising email and rather picking up earphones to have a conversation with my work colleagues.”
She concluded by saying that “Every person has something they are great at and finding and harnessing this, allowing them to do something they love and can be successful at, is a powerful building block in any team. We’ve been thrown an unprecedented curved ball and business will probably never be the same again. I have no doubt we will come out the other side stronger, more connected, more adaptable, and more in touch with what we need to build a stronger more resilient community.”
South African COVID-19 Information Portal
iBusiness on COVID-19
