Nedbank exec out to empower pupils
SANDTON - Using her position to effect change in others' lives, Kone Gugushe of Nedbank hopes to be an active agent of change.
The divisional executive for corporate social investment at Nedbank’s Sandton office, Gugushe is part of the team responsible for the Start My Future, Start My Career project.
The project aims to provide career guidance to pupils through various platforms including a series of educational movies run over a period of eight weeks at cinemas nationwide.
Gugushe explained that the reason behind launching a programme had to do with Nedbank’s desire to invest in education in a broad way.
“We wanted to invest, not only in educating children, but also in a holistic way because we understand that we do not exist in a vacuum,” she said.
Gugushe elaborated on the holistic view, saying that this included looking at the basic needs of children beyond the classroom, such as school supplies, food and career guidance, and providing this for pupils.
She stressed that academic excellence meant very little if a child was starving, poor or orphaned.
“Indeed, the aim was also to develop pupil support programmes that have an impact on society because at Nedbank we recognise that we are building leaders for tomorrow,” she said.
Gugushe started her career as a chartered accountant before making her move to Standard Bank and then JP Morgan, before settling at Nedbank.
She has been with Nedbank for almost eight years and joined the foundation in 2010; a move she said was inspired by her children and her desire to create a better future for them.
Speaking fondly of the project, running for six years now, Gugushe said that it was a working progress and thus far was having a real impact on the lives of others.
She also spoke proudly of the other projects the company has taken on, including the mobile clinic and the Hippo-roller project, which provides rural communities with large water containers which can be rolled on the ground.
She added that, fundamentally, Nedbank sought to be highly involved with the communities and deepening the impact with what they do.
Gugushe concluded that choosing to make a difference in the lives of others was the best decision and it has since defined her life.
“I also hope to leave a legacy at Nedbank as a key partner in achieving better social outcomes,” she concluded with a smile.
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