Women’s Month Profile: Xoliswa Ngema shakes up the arts
With over 25 years in the arts and entertainment sector, Xoliswa Ngema has been a constant inspiration for women around South Africa.
Name: Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema
Job: Chief Executive Officer
Age: 54
Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema is the current CEO for Johannesburg Theatres (Joburg Theatre, Soweto Theatre, and Roodepoort Theatre). These theatres are key players in the arts and entertainment sector around Johannesburg maintaining the artistic pulse of the city. Nduneni-Ngema has also served as the CEO of the State Theatre in Pretoria and was the Project Manager for Newtown Cultural Precinct under the Joburg Development Agency.
The theme for Women’s Month this year is: Pledge for parity. What does this theme mean for you personally?
It mean leaders within their own spheres of influence must commit to take pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity and give equal opportunities to women and girl children. Making sure equal access to training & development including work opportunities in government, business and civil society organizations, making sure we appoint young game changers in order to ensure women and girls achieve their ambitions, in order to make a difference in their communities and the world.
According to the World Economic Forum, equity will only be achieved by 2133, how do you contribute to the struggle for gender equality?
Just making a conscious effort to empower women and girls in the arts to reach their full potential and be game-changers & leaders.
What have been some of your major obstacles and challenges personally and in terms of gender equality?
Main challenge is that as a woman you have to work twice as much and you have to prove yourself all the time. On one hand you have to be a super mom and manage the family.
Knowing what you know, what advice do you have for young women today?
Study, continue to improve yourself, have a vision for your life and know that there is no ceiling, only the sky is the limit.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Continuous improvement of one’s education level, travel and explore the world as it opens up the minds and creates amazing opportunities.
