This month SmartProcurement profiles Dr Faith Mashele (MCIPS, MBA, PhD), from the Tshwane University of Technology.
Full name: Faith Mashele
Position: Financial Director: Expenditure
Your organisation’s procurement expenditure: R1.1-billion
Who does P and SM report to: Financial Director: Expenditure
Private sector or public sector: Public sector
Core business activity of the enterprise: An institution of higher learning (university)
Number of people in your P and SM organisation: 30
Management motto: Be the leader that you would want to follow
Personal motto: “Let your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears” – Nelson Mandela
Membership of professional bodies: MCIPS, Institute of Directors
What is your vision for P and SM: A service-orientated and enabling P and SM environment to support and collaborate with stakeholders
Personal best achievement: Firstly, graduating with a PhD degree from Wits University in my 30s. Secondly, in 2016, I bungee-jumped off Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bungee-jumping bridge
Most important commodities: Academic resources, construction works and ICT
Person that has had the biggest influence on your life: My mother
Person that has had the biggest influence on your career: Zakhe Ngqobe, Procurement Director at my first job
Person you would most like to meet: Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa and Executive Director, UN Women
What do you like most about your job: P and SM is a channel for delivering most projects. It is always interesting to see the direct contribution of P and SM when the final product is delivered. I also enjoy interacting with and learning from others, especially because a university is a place of learning
Is there anything you dislike about your job: Culture eats strategy for breakfast. There is a need for understanding and nurturing improvement strategies in any work environment
Businessperson who has impressed you most: Given Mkhari, MSG Group Chairperson
Favourite quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi
Your favourite South African organisation: South African Reserve Bank
Your favourite global organisation: The World Bank
Your philosophy about life: Feel the fear but do it anyway!
Favourite reading: Things Fall Apart – Prof Chinua Achebe
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Favourite music: Afro-soul: Ntsika Ngxanga’s album, I write what I dream, is playing on repeat on my way to work and back
Favourite sport: Soccer – I’m an avid Orlando Pirates supporter
Favourite website: http://seancroxton.com/quoteoftheday/
Hobbies: Travelling and reading
Car: Audi RS8
Married: Yes
Children: 2
Twitter handle: @faith_mashele
