South Africa boasts numerous trailblazing female entrepreneurs, one of whom is Sibongile Zul. Her transition from technical roles to business leadership exemplifies the power of continuous growth and evolution for women in business.
The recent years have painted a vivid picture of South Africa’s leadership crisis across both public and private sectors: the underrepresentation of women in senior positions. This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the realization of a nation’s full potential, the enrichment of its societal fabric, and the forging of a path towards equitable progress. South Africa, a country where women make up over 60% of the national government’s workforce but remain conspicuously absent from the most senior roles, must reckon with this disparity.
Sibongile Zulu, a trailblazer female entrepreneur based in Johannesburg, is challenging this disparity. Her transition to leadership and entrepreneurship started with an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) at the University of Pretoria.
Sibongile spent most of her career working in technicalroles. However, a colleague noticed Sibongile’s keen interest in different business aspects and suggested she could consider an MBA. Her search for an MBA quickly led her to GIBS.
GIBS, recognizing the potential of female entrepreneurs in South Africa, offers a blend of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned wisdom, imparting more than just business strategies. It molds its students into leaders who are aware of their social responsibilities. This ethos resonated deeply with Sibongile, reinforcing her vision to establish businesses that both thrive and serve the broader community.
“GIBS was a new kid on the block,” she says. “There was just this energy of trying to set up something which would encourage business leaders that would go back and give back to society.” (02:34)
Choosing GIBS to pursue an MBA was aligned with her belief in a form of business education that goes beyond profit margins.
Sibongile’s post-MBA journey is a kaleidoscope of roles and responsibilities. After obtaining her MBA, she found herself with many opportunities. Her roles ranged from establishing a consulting firm to leading large teams and transitioning into the development finance sector.
“The GIBS qualification, post completing the studies, really enabled me to move across industries and gave me the energy and the confidence to say, ‘If you wanna start a business, you can start a business,’” Sibongile explains. (7:58)
She is the driving force behind Business Unlocked, an umbrella group that houses ventures like Capital Unlocked and Impact Unlocked. Capital Unlocked bridges the gap between businesses seeking growth and potential investors. Through these initiatives, she bolsters the economy by aiding SMEs and promoting sustainable investments especially those led by women.
“We have also really shaped how we do what we do to be very cognizant of women-owned businesses. We are intentional about supporting-owned businesses,” says Sibongile. (20:39)
They also collaborate with organizations that focus on investment readiness, especially for women. The aim is to aide these women throughout the transactional advisory process.
This isn’t just about numbers and transactions. It’s about understanding a business’s narrative, its potential for impact, and aligning it with the right investors. Sibongile’s unique blend of technical know-how and business acumen ensures that every match is a win-win.
Sibongile shares the story of a local food producer who was beginning to export globally as an example. Instead of just helping her put together a business proposal and financial model to find investors, Sibongile’s team went beyond. They played a mentoring role, identified gaps and challenges in her business (like HR issues), and provided insights not just on the financial front but also operational aspects. In the end they found 20 potential investors they are currently vetting.
From supporting local female entrepreneurs in South Africa to helping them create global brands, this case epitomizes what Sibongile and her team aim to achieve: a marriage of business growth with positive societal impact. It is her way to push others in society forward.
For those, especially female entrepreneurs in South Africa, considering an MBA as a stepping stone into the world of business, Sibongile shares invaluable advice. An MBA, while beneficial, is not a box to tick. Prospective students should venture into this academic journey with clarity about the degree they’ll earn and the human connections they’ll forge.
Engaging with diverse minds and backgrounds, experiencing various ideas, and navigating group assignments (which are not always smooth sailing) are crucial. These experiences are formative, preparing students for the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. As Sibongile puts it, entering entrepreneurship is like “starting a 20-year MBA in a short space of time.” (25:02)
Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey is like navigating uncharted waters. Resilience, networking, and support are the three primary pillars of success. While qualifications and initial capital play a pivotal role, the path is unpredictable. Even experienced entrepreneurs may occasionally grapple with self-doubt. However, the unwavering spirit, the drive to overcome, and the community of peers and mentors turn challenges into stepping stones for growth. Embrace each hurdle, learn from every fall, and let your passion guide you toward success.
As Sibongile says, “A candle doesn’t dim light by lighting another, you don’t lose it. It doesn’t dim, it doesn’t change. ” (18:44)
Did you get inspired by Sibongile’s experiences? Contact GIBS alums today to learn from their experiences during the MBA program.
