Neo, the mother who can do it all without hassle

Ntsako Mabunda

LIMPOPO – NEO Nkhabelane is definitely a woman with many talents, but her talent for communication is her best asset.

“My diverse career paths are interlinked; the common link is communication. I love talking, I love listening and mostly serving,” says Neo Nkhabelane, public relations manager at the A-Team Management company. The A-Team, which stands for Artistic Team, manages the Limpopo Afro-Jazz group, Muzo Brothers in their individual capacity as they both venture into solo projects as well as DJ duo Mesh n Brelle and veteran actor/musician Seputla Sebogodi. It’s not often that one seeks to shine a spotlight on the manager of the stars but Nkhabelane’s presence, beauty, confidence and efficiency in conducting her business makes her stand out in her own right.

Neo Nkhabelane grew up in Lebowakgomo, outside of Polokwane and was raised by her grandmother whilst her mother went to further her studies. Her father was working away from home. It is that experience that instilled an awareness of having to live a life of sacrifice in order to fulfill one’s dreams. Given her slim figure and beauty, it is not surprising that Nkhabelane wanted to be a model. When that path didn’t get her very far, she studied towards a media and communications diploma. Nkhabelane then started working in the aviation industry as a cabin crew member and managed to visit over 60 countries. With her charisma and talent for communication, she started working in the communication department of a top airliner as producer and newsreader for their radio station. From there, Nkhabelane’s path took her to the banking industry, but it wasn’t long before the flying bug bit her yet again and she went back to the aviation industry. Deciding to break from the tiring world of travel, Nkhabelane moved back home with her family who by then lived in Polokwane. Taking up employment as public relations manager for Polokwane Performing Arts Ensemble and eventually venturing on to her current public relations project with A-team Management.

Besides this, she is an events manager, motivational speaker as well as a bridal consultant with her own range of bridal gowns. That Nkhabelane manages to find time to do all of these jobs effectively as well as fulfill her role as a mother is amazing, yet she does it extremely well. Nkhabelane’s excellent work ethic and confidence are strongly tied to her spiritual beliefs. She believes that faith and hard work will get you far. “I was raised in a Christian family which moulded me to be a woman of substance. If you see yourself as God sees you – an extraordinary being – then you will act as such,” advises Nkhabelane. Undoubtedly, the key to the success behind the stars she manages is her dedication and discipline, and the arts industry of Limpopo is all the more richer for it.