In Conversation

In this conversation of My Top Five, we sit down with Cape Town-based lifestyle and fashion creator Saatiyah Dante, whose digital world is all about romanticizing life and finding beauty in the everyday. From leaving her 9–5 job to building a career rooted in storytelling, Saatiyah opens up about her creative journey, faith, and the lessons that keep her grounded. She also shares her Top 5 groundi...

In this conversation, Tshepiso Sishuba sits down with Noluthando Mgotyibana, an HR and payroll professional with over 20 years of experience. From starting out with no knowledge of payroll to leading in human capital management, Noluthando shares her journey of resilience, continuous learning, and adapting to change. She opens up about the misconceptions around HR, the balance between people and p...

In this conversation, we speak with Gugulethu Zwane, an Area Manager, who takes us through her journey in the retail and fashion industry. She reflects on her academic path, the value of strong leadership, and the often-overlooked human element in retail. Gugulethu also shares the challenges of relocating to a new province, highlighting how resilience and adaptability shaped her career. At the hea...

In this conversation, we sit down with Rilwele Tshikovhi , a geologist whose journey is marked by resilience, persistence, and purpose. From navigating unemployment to carving her path in the oil and gas industry, Rilwele opens up about the realities of her field—the balance between technical expertise and human impact, the power of teamwork, and the importance of continuous growth. She also share...

In this conversation, Lizah Nyemba Makombore takes us through her academic journey from Zimbabwe to South Africa and now the United States. She opens up about the realities of navigating academia as a young African scholar — from cultural shifts and imposter syndrome to finding strength in resilience and community. Lizah unpacks why African voices are essential in global conversations around susta...

In this conversation, we’re joined by Mandisa Mtembu — safeguarding specialist, youth advocate, and passionate protector of young lives. Mandisa opens up about her personal journey into child protection, the influence of her grandparents, and how her background in psychology informs her work. We unpack the emotional realities of safeguarding, the deep impact of broken trust, and why schools must p...

In this Conversation, we sit down with Rene Dinkoanyane, a seasoned marketing and communications professional whose journey from Limpopo to the boardrooms of South Africa tells a powerful story of resilience, creativity, and purpose. Rene shares insights on brand building, navigating the evolving media landscape, and the importance of human connection in every campaign. Whether you’re an aspiring...

In this conversation, Tshepo Matlou unpacks the power of coaching in both personal and professional growth. From his early experiences as a young leader to becoming a coach, Tshepo emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a holistic approach to leadership. He challenges common misconceptions about coaching, explores its relevance across all life stages, and reflects...

In this conversation, we sit down with Lutho Zono , an admitted attorney and associate specializing in employment law. Lutho takes us through the intricate journey from law school to admission, sharing the challenges of board exams, the intense demands of articles, the emotional toll of imposter syndrome, and the resilience it takes to thrive in the legal field. From learning how to study smart to...

In this conversation, we chat with Tlotlo Lekgoba, a senior data scientist whose work is shaping the future—one algorithm at a time. From her roots in actuarial science to building AI-driven solutions, Tlotlo unpacks the real world of data science beyond the buzzwords. She talks imposter syndrome, mentorship, the skills that matter, and why curiosity is her compass in a fast-changing tech world. W...

In this conversation, we sit down with Masego Rakoma, a Junior Payroll Specialist, to explore the real world behind payroll. From her unexpected journey into the field to navigating compliance, systems, and people, Masego shares what it truly takes to manage one of the most critical functions in any organisation. She talks about the misconceptions around payroll, the impact of technology, and the...

In this conversation, we sit down with fashion enthusiast and content creator Robyn Lee to explore her journey from property law to full-time content creation. Robyn opens up about how fashion became her language of self-expression and confidence, her evolving personal style, and her top winter wardrobe essentials. From the power of outerwear to the impact of accessories, this conversation is fill...

In this conversation, we speak to Ayanda Bam , an Investigations Manager with over a decade of experience in ethics, compliance, and financial crime. He shares how he found his path, the challenges of high-stakes investigations, and the advice he has for young professionals pursuing a career in forensic auditing. A powerful conversation on purpose, integrity, and staying grounded in complex enviro...