By Mzukona Mantshontsho
NGOLONDWANE INVESTMENTS is based in Elspark in Boksburg, and we do SHEQ management and Environmental Health Services consulting.
Ngolondwane is my grandfather’s nickname and was named by his work colleagues while working in Johannesburg in the early 1950s. He was named after he had viciously confronted head on, some criminals in a train who were harassing passengers by pickpocketing.
Tell us about your early life to your role today
I did my primary school in the Kingdom of Eswatini at Mlambo Primary school in the 1980s and proceeded to do my secondary education in Bhunya Secondary School. I went ahead to complete my high school education in 1988 at St Marks High School in Mbabane. After completing my high school, I then enrolled at Eswatini Institute of Health Sciences, now a Faculty of Health Sciences, Mbabane Campus for a 3-year Diploma in Environmental Health Sciences. After completing my Diploma, I was hired by Eswatini government under the Ministry of Health as a Health Inspector or Environmental Health Practitioner. Sometime in 2002, I got an opportunity to further my studies while I was still employed by Eswatini government and enrolled at Mbabane Campus, Faculty of Health Sciences for a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health Sciences, Major: Occupational Health and Safety. After completing my degree, I went back to work for Eswatini government until I resigned in 2007 to join Municipal Council of Mbabane as an Environmental Health Practitioner or Health Inspector.
What does your role mean to you?
My role as an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist means that I always make sure that health and safety of every employee in the workplace is maintained throughout their working life. And also ensure workers’ work environment is maintained and prevented from degrading at all cost.
What are the most critical resources for your successful leadership?
Complete top management support and buy-in in terms of provision of resources such as financial support to ensure general health and safety management systems are maintained throughout the organization.
What can we expect from you going forward since you started?
I am looking forward work as SHEQ (Safety Health, Environment and Quality) Consultant for different organizations and/or corporate businesses all over South Africa. Have just registered my company, Ngolondwane SHEQ Consulting after losing my SHEQ Management job last year 2023.
Words of advice for young people, particularly young women to take the first step and start community projects or small businesses?
Young women should first empower themselves with basic and strong education in order for them to easily grasp and internalize basic business and projects skills and concepts. They should also try and identify like-minded individuals who will share similar businesses interests and zeal.
What are your thoughts on Covid-19 in terms of communities, small businesses, what measures will this administration take to protect our communities, businesses if another pandemic were to hit?
Government must set aside communities’ small businesses and projects emergency funds to assist avert catastrophic impacts by Covid-19 impacts.
What is the legacy that you would want to leave when you retire?
I would to retire and see my fruits of my contributions to young persons’ SHEQ management skills and self-sustenance. And significant environment management is achieved and felt by future generations.
How does your work DIRECTLY contribute to the community?
My work directly contributes to Public Health Management Services and general safety management at work. This assist in preventing public health diseases as a result of poor hygienic and sanitation practices. And also prevent Occupational Safety related illnesses and injuries in workplaces.
What have been your highs and lows of your career?
Seeing my organization SHEQ management objectives and goals achieved over the years of my work experiences. Grooming some employees to professional SHEQ management levels and seeing them prosper as well.
When you are not at work, what do you get up to, and where people follow you online?
I spent my time with family and friends and take walks around the park. I can only be reached online via my mobile with WhatsApp number at +27 714070309.
