A passion for people, performance, and constant learning: my 17 years at Vodacom

Over the last 17 years, working at Vodacom has given me the opportunity to do what I am passionate about: educating and enabling people, and learning. Day to day, I get to connect and interact with people from different backgrounds and solve problems, always learning in the process, and I really love that about my job.

Vodacom also offers various opportunities for personal career growth which has been amazing for me. Throughout my time here I have obtained two certifications (Technology and Enterprise Management, and Creating Leadership and Personal Capacity in Women) and I’m currently studying for my Diploma in Marketing Management, funded by Vodacom Bursary.

My current role is Front of House Sales Consultant. As well as all the official parts of my position, which includes looking after sales, customer care, repairs, and business queries, I also host and organise Vodacom events, do training facilitation, and create cheat sheets for the stores. I am also part of our Spirit Beat Committee, which means I’m heavily involved in staff engagement and enablement.

Vodacom has empowered me

My first certification at Vodacom was through the Vodacom Achievers Program in 2015-2016. I remember vividly how exciting it was to be a part of it. The program gives you an in-depth view and understanding of how a mobile network company works, both the technology side and the management side. It was constantly riveting.

The program gave so much insight into operations in the Mobile network space and things like how to manage a customer in a mobile network setting. Every classroom session was even more of an eye opener: you would go from mobile network management, to dynamics and forces in the ICT environment, to learning about the technological playing fields, and understanding different business models in the mobile environment.  We also learned about managing yourself and your team, coaching and mentoring, and how to effectively apply human capital.

Upon completion of the course, you attain a Certificate in Technology and Enterprise Management, NQF Level 6, which is a qualification certified by the University of North West. After I’d finished, my department then elected me to undergo their Women in Leadership program too, which grants you an NQF Level 7 Certificate ‘Creating Leadership and Personal Capacity in Women’.

The leadership program was more concentrated on learning the Biometrics System Theory, and the impact and challenges we have as women in the organisation. It equipped you with an in-depth understanding of how we are capable of solving them, and it ended up being a good platform for networking as well.

Both programs have helped me in understanding my role in a team and bettering myself. They have given me a better understanding of the formation of a team, team dynamics and how important every role in a company is, and different business models and the value proposition of a company. One of the best things I have learned is how to value people for their different characteristics and personalities.

The future

I see my future here as a mix of brand marketing and event hosting and coordinating. I now have 17 years of experience in the retail space within Vodacom and bring a unique

blend of front-line expertise, marketing insights and people-centric leadership.

I have become a seasoned public speaker and MC, and I thrive on connecting with audiences and creating memorable experiences. With everything I do driven by a deep passion for people and performance - energising a crowd, leading a team, crafting a compelling brand message - I plan to continue bringing energy, empathy, and excellence to every opportunity that comes to me!