From food science to leading people

IN THE evolving world of human resources and organisational management, few stories resonate quite like that of Savina Harrilall. Harrilal, who grew up in Isipingo, south of Durban, fondly reflects on her early academic choices.

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

In Grade 10, she faced a pivotal decision regarding her subject selection and ultimately decided to study mathematics, physics, biology (Life Sciences) and home economics.

This eclectic mix of subjects clearly showed her ambitions, even if life took her in a different direction.

“Many years later, I am nowhere near the food sciences. Well, at least I've kept the science part. So I'm still in the field of people science and the field of management sciences.”

This statement highlights her evolution from an aspiring food technologist to a prominent advocate for enhancing the well-being and performance of individuals within organisations.

In an era when traditional professions held societal weight, she admits, “Being a doctor and teacher were quite common back then and (these) were jobs that gave you respect in the community.”

“I didn't get funding to do my LLB, and I felt pressured to start working and earning some money and then start funding myself up," she reveals, shedding light on the financial challenges that redirected her path. "I think HR found me. I couldn't get funding for my LLB, so I started working as a marketing administrator. Finances were always a struggle.”