We spoke with Mphoentle Plaatjie, a Corporate Governance and Youth Council Member at Vodacom, to find out what Women's Month means to her.
What did you originally study, and how did you come to be at Vodacom?
I hold a Master of Laws from the University of Cape Town, Bachelor of Laws from the University of Pretoria and a Bachelor of Arts in Law from North West University. I joined Vodacom in 2020 as an intern in the Risk Management Compliance Team, gaining experience in Sanctions and Trade Controls, Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Legal Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering.
What kind of work do you do at Vodacom?
I am a Discover Graduate Trainee in the Vodacom Group Company Secretary team where I provided full secretarial functions, worked on merger and acquisition projects and provide support to the ESG and Ethics teams. I have also driven policy and board reporting throughout the Group.
What’s your favourite way to de-stress outside of the office?
Outside of work, I enjoy travel adventures with friends and family, thriving on activities that bring about an adrenaline rush. On an ordinary day, I enjoy playing board games - in particular winning a round of 30 Seconds.
Share one of your most significant achievements – professionally, personally or both.
I completed high school at 16 and earned my first degree at 19. This year I was appointed as the External Affairs Youth Council Representative and Deputy Chair of the Youth Council. I was also part of the Top 30 for Miss South Africa 2022.
What does Women’s Month mean to you?
It means that as a young woman in South Africa, I need to be grateful to the women who went before me and fought so I can have the rights they did not have. It also means that I need to carry the baton and challenge gender biases and inequality that continue across our society.
What are some of the largest barriers for South African women in general?
We are still being called female leaders instead of leaders. Our gender is seen before our abilities. Society has a perception that when women succeed it is “in spite” of them being a woman. I fear that so many women have made these perceptions their reality and have internalised what has been said. This then limits our hunger to tap into our greatest potential.
Do you feel empowered as a woman at Vodacom? How does Vodacom empower you and other women in the organisation?
As a woman I feel empowered and that I belong at Vodacom. Both the Executive Committee and Youth Council which I am a part of have a 50% women representation. More than half of my Discover Graduate cohort comprises women. The opportunities I have been given to grow within the company have been provided by other women.
Do you think women have ample opportunity to take leadership roles in business and society?
Yes, as above in relation to the business. However, more progress can be made. I do sometimes feel due to the internalised thoughts of society that women are not the best leader, some women end up shying away from opportunities that present themselves. However, whether there are opportunities or not, we need to be more comfortable with creating our own tables.
What advice would you give other women in business, or those aspiring to be?
Be audacious. Have the audacity to pursue your dreams and the nerve to walk through doors that were not meant for you.
