Unconventional path to the success

FROM a rural childhood in KwaZulu-Natal to the C-suite of one of South Africa’s leading integrated facilities solutions providers, Nokwanda Shabalala’s career has been anything but linear.

- NICOLA MAWSON

Trained as an electrical engineer, she swapped circuit boards for corporate strategy, moving through roles in finance, business development, and entrepreneurship before stepping into her current position as chief sales and marketing officer at Tsebo Solutions Group. Her journey reflects a blend of analytical precision, strategic vision, and a passion for creating tangible social and economic impact.

What first inspired your career choice, and what was a watershed moment for you?

My inspiration was sparked while studying for my Master's in Engineering Management at George Washington University. Originally I trained as an Electrical Engineer, I was destined for a technical career. But graduate school opened the door to the world of business strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate leadership. I was captivated. Each role was a stepping stone, leading naturally to the leadership position I hold today.

What’s the biggest challenge you've faced on your journey?