Thuli Galelekile has become a source of inspiration and hope for thousands of South African women who want to emerge as frontrunners in the dynamic and competitive world of business.
The Divisional Manager, Group Communications and Marketing at Ithala Development Finance Corporation, KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial development finance agency, was declared the winner of the Regional Business Achiever Awards in the Corporate Category this week.
The annual awards ceremony which was hosted by the Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa, recognises women throughout the country who are contributing to business, whether as entrepreneurs, professionals or in corporate business or government.
“We roll out the red carpet for a glitzy night where we honour these phenomenal women and we believe that every representative in the competition is a worthy winner,” said Mpume Langa, Chairperson Businesswomen’s Association.”
Thuli, 40, was among 15 KZN businesswomen who were shortlisted in their areas of expertise across five categories: Corporate, Professional, Government, Entrepreneur and Social Entrepreneur.
Modest about her latest accolade, Thuli acknowledged the support of her marketing team who she believes contributed to making her achievement possible.
She believes her personal goals are closely aligned with Ithala’s mandate to promote development within the KZN province.
The organisation has a 50-year legacy of promoting development and empowerment among the historically disadvantaged communities of KwaZulu-Natal.
For example, Thuli is closely involved in a programme driven by Ithala to grow and reward women in small business in the province.
“Imbokodo Iyazenzela” is a series of interactive business breakfasts intended to empower women with the necessary skills, knowledge and opportunities to enable their dreams and to motivate them to tread on uncharted territory.
Her extensive expertise in the communications and marketing field coupled with her sheer determination for community development has enabled her to positively impact on employment creation, skills development and training in marginalised communities.
“For me routine in business is a bore. I have a career, not a job and I continuously set out to do things differently, to be at the forefront of developing new ideas designed to better create public awareness of the organisation I represent and to market its products in a way which sets it apart from the clutter.”
“I am an innovator, unafraid of the unknown, willing to challenge the status quo and determined to overcome any challenge. I am driven and have a fierce determination to be the best in everything I do in business,” added Thuli.
Finalists were selected by an independent panel after a judging process that included an interview session on the candidate’s achievements and commitment to the sustainability of their projects and initiatives.
EPIC WIN FOR PRESTIGIOUS BUSINESS ACHIEVER AWARD
