Woman Crush Wednesday: Nompumelelo Ngwenya

Nompumelelo (Success) Ngwenya (27) screams sophistication and intelligence at first sight. She is arguably one of the few that live up to the meanings of their name.

Ngwenya is the individual segment portfolio brand and strategy manager for Nando’s, who graced the new Nando’s concept restaurant in Blackheath with her presence on 24 November, during its launch.

As to be expected, you have to burn the midnight oil in the library to hold such a position of power. Ngwenya, also known as Mpume to others, has a B Com majoring in Finance, Accounting and Marketing from the University of the Witwatersrand.

“Most people want to do the marketing side and not the numbers side, but it is very important to know the numbers when you are in marketing because there are a lot of things you have to look at concerning money,” she says.

Ngwenya says personality plays a role in a career like this.

“You need to be flexible, a trend setter, able to engage with people, fun loving and a hard worker.”

As a brand manager, one has to become a project manager as well, which she says poses a challenge.

“I have to make sure that I organise events at a certain time and getting everyone to agree to make themselves available at that time is sometimes very challenging, meaning you have to do a lot of people management and be engaged with all stakeholders.”

The inspirational leader says the worst manager in any working environment is a micro manager.

“It’s important to avoid being a micro manager by being inspirational to your employees because when you don’t inspire people you have to start micro managing. You should also identify what makes your employees shine individually and what they enjoy.”

Ngwena keeps herself motivated.

“I like surrounding myself with people who are older and are more established. That way it keeps me motivated and hungry to ensure my dreams come true.”

According to her, being a black woman may be an advantage despite popular opinions.

“If you prove yourself, work hard and are deserving, you will get the position you want. With some organisations it may be difficult because they are predominantly white, but when deserving the position will be yours.”

As a single woman, Mpume says someone like Usher is her cup of tea. She, however, likes a sporty, successful, humorous, career-driven, ambitious, honest, tall, dark, handsome and intelligent man.

Fun facts:

n Mpume has a lot of friends and enjoys going out with them to concerts and woman empowerment sessions

n She is wheat intolerant

n She used to be asthmatic

n Her blood type is A-

n She is lazy to maintain weaves and prefers braids or natural hair