From small town beginnings to conquering the city
Chairperson of the Business Woman Association South Africa (BWASA), Mmabogoshi Bellah Msiza, has walked a long road and risen in the ranks, a feat not many people from small villages achieve easily.
POLOWKANE – Born and raised in Mahwelereng Mokopane, she has come a long way from the dusty streets she grew up. “Although living in town is more convenient, I still miss the vibe of township life,” she told BONUS.
Bellah has two older siblings, a brother Maribolla Simon Mphahlele, who is an advocate, and a sister, Tebogo Matlala.
She describes her husband, Mamphe Daniel Msiza, as a loving and caring husband, great father and above all her friend. They also have five children together.
She matriculated at Makgoka High School in Boyne in 1992 and went on to study a BA in public administration at the University of the Western Cape. Her studies did not stop there and she went on to study a BCom accounting degree at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits), acquired a practical audit certificate with Anderson Consulting, and acquired a certificate in project management with Damelin College.
Bellah also earned a Goldman Sachs 10 000 Women Entrepreneurship Programme certificate with Gordon Institute of Business Science.
“I think women are making great headway in the boardroom, however, corporate South Africa needs to seriously start empowering women in leadership positions including creating ‘pipelines’ for women with potential to become CEO’s,COO’s, and CFO’s while addressing gender parity at board level,” she said.
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Despite her busy schedule, Bellah said she sets aside time to go to the gym every week, have a book to read, spend time in solitude to connect with her inner core and is an avid hobbyist of Bonsai trees.
“Taking time to care for yourself will make you a better parent and partner, people will enjoy your company as you will be more fun to be around and more responsive to your family’s needs,” she explained.
Being the BWASA Chairperson, she said she always aims to inspire and encourages businesswomen around the world on how to structure and manage their businesses.
She said BWASA, in its research and advocacy role, published the 2015 Women in Leadership Census.
“The census reveals alarming statistics that point toward the urgent need for South African corporations to rethink their approach to women leadership empowerment if gender parity is to be achieved. Women account for 11,6% of directorships and chairperson positions, of which 9,2% hold chairperson positions and 2,4% are CEO’s. I am proud to represent the women around me well as a chairperson,” she said.
Bellah personally believes that one cannot lead others if they are unable lead themselves, however, she explained, leadership can be a lonely journey.
“To keep ourselves motivated and inspired we need to be able to lead ourselves with our hearts, purpose and devotion. I am honoured and humble to lead one of the BWASA branches. Being a chairperson requires me to use my position wisely and meaningfully to support women in their endeavour to achieve gender equality,” she said.
She believes Limpopo is filled with remarkable women and the RBAA has sought to showcase those whose accomplishments embody the values and vision of BWASA.
“Truth be told, young people need to know that entrepreneurship is not a walk in the park. It can be exciting, frustrating, empowering, and terrifying all at the same time,” she concluded.
