Ladies, adjust your crowns and stand tall – you are being noticed! At Star Personnel, we proudly celebrate Women’s Month by honouring the incredible women who make a difference in HR and recruitment. You make a difference!
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, it’s essential to highlight the remarkable contributions of women in HR across various sectors. One area where women are making significant strides is in human resources (HR) and recruitment. These women not only shape the future of work but also set examples of leadership, innovation, and resilience. Let’s explore some inspiring success stories of women in HR in South Africa.
Sane Ngidi: Championing HR for Africa
Dr. Sane Ngidi, HR Lead for Africa at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is renowned for her dedication to advancing HR practices across the continent. With over 18 years of experience, she has held significant roles, including Head of Human Capital at Rand Merchant Bank. Ngidi’s approach to HR transforms workplaces through leadership and advocacy, driving diversity and inclusion. Her commitment to impactful HR strategies aligns with the foundation’s mission in Africa.
Sane recalls her mother opening one of the first black woman-owned recruitment agencies in 1992 in Durban, saying, “I inherited the strength that a woman can bring, and what you can achieve if you work really hard.”
Akona Makoboka: Leading the Charge in HR
Akona Makoboka is an inspiring figure among women in HR, known for her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence. Her career, marked by roles at Smollan, Accenture, and now Makosi, is grounded in ethical integrity and transformative impact. Akona’s leadership style—characterized by fairness, transparency, and proactive engagement—navigates global HR challenges with strategic foresight.
When asked for advice for upcoming HR professionals, she highlights the importance of continuous learning: “There is an intentionality that needs to underpin your outlook on your career, especially in terms of career choices.” Akona proves that everyone can make a huge difference with resilience and dedication.
People First: Sarah Rice
Sarah Rice, Chief People Officer at Skynamo, is a trailblazer among women in HR in South Africa. Featured in CHRO South Africa’s Visionary Women Leader’s Series, Sarah has leveraged her two decades of experience in PR and communications within the South African tech sector to revolutionize Skynamo’s approach to culture and leadership. She challenges outdated HR structures, advocating for a dynamic and people-centric recruitment strategy. Sarah believes in creating high-performing teams that thrive without burnout, highlighting the importance of nurturing work environments.
Sarah captures her role perfectly: “We can give our people exactly what they need to do their best work.”
HR Means Leading From the Front
These inspiring women in HR are just a few examples of the many female leaders making a difference in South Africa. Their stories of success, innovation, and dedication to creating better workplaces are powerful reminders of the impact women in HR can have. As we celebrate Women’s Month, let us recognize and support the incredible contributions of women in HR and recruitment, and continue to champion gender equality in all aspects of work and life.
In honour of all the awesome ladies, Star Personnel is happy to bring you our Women’s Month Special Offer. This is for all our clients—new and existing—who start a new job assignment with us during this special month! To find out more, contact one of our friendly Star Personnel recruiters. They’ll give you all the details on how to take advantage of our promotion. Grab this chance to partner with us and boost your business. Terms and conditions apply, so be sure to ask for full details.
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