SAFARI - the Progressive Business Forum website

PROFILEa bigger world waiting for me backhome, and to make sure I return toSouth Africa,” remembers Peggy-Sue,who completed her MSc in Economicsin late 2004.“The experience of going touniversity broadened my horizonsin a big way,” she says. “Sitting inlecture halls, studying Economicsand Finance – subjects I didn’t do atschool – surrounded by internationalstudents, you start to look at theworld in a different way. What youare learning is practical, it is whatyou live on a day-to-day basis. I willalways be eternally grateful to formerPresident Nelson Mandela for theopportunity he afforded me, to furthermyself academically. It was a privilegenot afforded to all; something I willcherish, treasure and carry in myheart for the rest of my life.”Peggy-Sue’s beliefs about theimportance of a good education werereinforced during her time abroad.“Education is really at the core ofwhat we are,” she says. “A degreeis worth any currency. You can goanywhere in the world and work, aslong as you have a degree. Educationchanges lives – it changed my life andthe life of my family. It shaped whoI am. Education is the backbone of acountry; without it, we will not groweconomically and will not prosper as acountry.”She is encouraged by how seriouslythe South African government hastaken female empowerment. “As acountry, we’ve done extremely well.Women enjoy far more opportunitiesnow than what were previouslyavailable to us. There’s the chancefor education; there are scholarshipsand sponsorships. If young peopleapply themselves, they can get towhere they want to go. Young womenare coming up the ranks swiftly. Isee them in my own workplace atInvestec. They are well educated andreally making their mark. My adviceto young women making a start forthemselves is always to map out theircareers, and define where they wouldlike to see themselves.”Carving a niche for oneself inthe cut-throat world of business isnot always easy, and Peggy-Sue hasendured her fair share of adversity.“I had to overcome my fear of goinginto a boardroom and sitting talkingfinance with men, many of whomwould question why I was there and“Education is the backbone of a country; withoutit, we will not grow economically and will notprosper as a country.”wonder if I knew what I was talkingabout. I always tell young girls: Ifyou’re going into a meeting, do not bethe first one to offer tea; it sets thetone for the meeting and, from thereon out, you will become the tea girl.I tell them not to set themselves uplike that. Instead, I encourage themto prepare extensively, read theirdocumentation and really know theirstuff. That way, they will be confidentthat the contribution they are makingis substantial.”But it’s all easier said than done.“The hardest thing to learn is thatlife is not perfect,” she says. “Inany shape or form, in everythingyou do, you have to be able to dealwith disappointment but remaincompassionate and as humble aspossible. These are qualities thatdevelop you, motivate you and takeyou a long way in life.” She feels it isimportant to learn and know who youare, to remain true to yourself andalways give your best. “As a youngwoman, you have to make thingshappen for yourself,” she says. “Yourdestiny lies within you.”Regarding how the corporateworld is making way for young womennowadays, Peggy-Sue feels that, whilewe’re on the right track, more canbe done. Implementing developmentprogrammes, she believes, wouldgo a long way, as would mentorshipprogrammes. She says that youngwomen should apply their minds toareas in which they are most neededin the economy, and that we shouldensure there are formidable womenplaying a role in every sector. “Womenare the backbone of society. We arenaturally caring and considerate ofothers. The more women we have inleadership, the more significant theimpact on corporate South Africa’srole in making sure that the socialagenda of this country is delivered.We need more women, especially blackwomen, in financial services, and weneed them to stick around,” she says.Despite her incredible success,Peggy-Sue remains modest. Sherecognises her mother’s sacrificesand the influence she had on herdaughter’s life. “Had it not been forher, I would not be where I am today,”she says. “I’ve had the privilege ofinteracting with so many people fromall walks of life, and I’ve met manyformidable women, including mymom. I believe that the best guidanceand wisdom come from our elders. Ifyou want perspective and the honesttruth, talk to someone who is a realrole model in your life and community.Some of the greatest advice I’ve beengiven was never to apologise for mysuccess and for what I’ve achieved inlife, because I’ve worked hard and I’veearned it.” ✥Nonhlanhla Peggy-Sue Khumalohas eight years of bankingexperience with the Investec Group.She joined Investec Bank UK inOctober 2004 as an analyst withthe Fixed Income team. After threeyears with IBUK, she returned toSouth Africa and joined InvestecCapital Markets as an investmentconsultant within the CorporateBusiness Development division.Her responsibilities includeleveraging and orchestrating thebank’s resources and expertise,and ensuing the efficient servicingof a full spectrum of financialproducts, from corporate finance totreasury services. She is also activein macro-economic research, andcontributes to economic forecastingwithin the bank. ✥22 I S S U E 1