“They say dress for the job you want; I dressed for survival,” said Sipholesihle Lukhele, the author of Pretty Suits & Poisoned Mugs: A Journey Through Workplace Toxicity.

On Thursday, March 26, Lukhele shared her journey during a review session of her memoir at Fishmonger Nelspruit, where she had a conversation with Dr Prudence Buthelezi, also an author.
Lukhele is an accountant turned author and workplace culture consultant.

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A Christian entrepreneur, she transforms her corporate experiences into a ministry of healing; restoring confidence, faith and purpose in those wounded by harmful workplaces. She is passionate about women’s empowerment and uses her voice and story to inspire others.

Lukhele takes readers on an unforgettable journey through what she describes as the silent pandemic of workplace toxicity. The book draws from ther professional journey across nearly two decades and various workplaces.
She said the memoir is both a mirror and a manifesto – a story of faith, femininity and fierce endurance.

“It is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is walk away with your head held high and your mug still full.”

Lukhele told the story of how she was headhunted for a clerk position, but on arrival, she learnt the interview was actually for a manager’s role. She was hired, but soon afterwards, the working environment devolved into something she never imagined. She said she faced sabotage, bullying and intimidation.
After complaining about her working environment, Lukhele was suddenly ostracised by her colleagues.

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Her tasks were stripped away, and she spent her days at work with nothing to do.
After some time, however, the depression and anxiety that the situation had created became more than she could bear, and she made the decision to prioritise herself and leave the position.
She added that she wants people to always remember to take care of themselves.