As we celebrate Women’s Day in South Africa, we honour the remarkable women who have redefined the business landscape of our Creative Economy. At Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), every day is an opportunity to uplift and celebrate the influential women who have shaped the organisation over its 27-year history.
From its founding Chair, Mary Oppenheimer-Slack in 1997, to its first CEO, Nicola Danby, who led for a decade, followed by Michelle Constant, who tirelessly championed its vision for 10 years, BASA’s legacy is rich with strong female leaders.
In a world where vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, Zingisa Motloba stands as a testament to the power of authenticity and courage. Zingisa, who took the mantle of BASA Board Chairperson in 2021, stepped into the shoes of the formidable Charmaine Soobramoney and continues to steer the vision and mission of the organisation with grace and determination. With her sister, Nomonde Mtshazo, Zingisa was among the first women of colour to attend St Mary’s, breaking barriers from an early age.
Zingisa describes herself as an Afro-optimist and an interconnector of people, ideas, and opportunities. Her journey is a powerful reminder that true leadership is about being wholeheartedly dedicated and fervently empathetic. “BASA has been, and continues to be, led by an outstanding team of deeply committed, passionate, and compassionate individuals, who pour their heart and soul into everything they do. I am blessed to be associated with them and the work they do,” she reflects. An admitted attorney and MBA graduate, Zingisa founded an ESG advisory firm, Alchemy Africa, after many years of service in various public and private sector organisations. She is presently a commercial partner at the pre-eminent African law firm, Bowmans – a firm she chose because of its commitment to Africa, collaboration and people-centric values and leadership.
In her leadership walk, Zingisa emphasises the importance of intuition and experience. She leverages these qualities to foster meaningful connections that inspire collective success. She strives to engender the values of authenticity, openness, and empathy, creating an ecosystem where the collective can thrive.
When asked about her favourite book, Zingisa finds it difficult to choose just one, though she has long cherished The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, and Always Another Country by Sisonke Msimang. Her ultimate global travel destination is Japan, with a strong desire to explore North and West Africa. To unwind, she enjoys being outdoors and exercising, often valuing her home’s proximity to a park more than its aesthetic appeal.
Music is another source of joy for Zingisa, with Thandiswa Mazwai a favourite artist. She cannot start her day without prayer and a cup of coffee. Her love for underdog stories is reflected in her favourite movie, Gladiator” If she had a pet goat, she’d humorously name it something like Joshua or Lorraine.
Zingisa’s childhood dream was to become an architect. Today, the things that bring a smile to her face are children, including her own, who remind her of life’s joy and beauty. Her go-to meal after a long day is spaghetti and meatballs, a dish she enjoys cooking with her son. If she could share a meal with three people, living or dead, she’d choose Maya Angelou, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Viola Davis. These women, she believes, embody visibility, voice, and confidence.
For Zingisa, the legacy she wishes to leave is one where she made the world a better place. She advocates for artists and creatives to view what they create as possessing economic value. She believes in recognising the arts as an exportable commodity and sees gatekeeping in the creative sector as a loss of power to those who live within it. She encourages looking beyond South Africa to define relevance and emphasises the role of creativity in healing and envisioning the country’s, and indeed the continent’s, future.
Navigating BASA as a non-creative, Zingisa prioritises authenticity and empathy. She fosters an enabling environment for her team to excel, striving to be the leader she wished she had. Mentorship is a cornerstone of her philosophy, and she continues to seek mentors while offering guidance to others, believing in the importance of learning and sharing knowledge.
Reflecting on BASA’s 27 year journey, Zingisa is proud of its legacy and hopeful for its future. The organisation’s adaptability and commitment to mental wellness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been hallmarks of its success. BASA is a formidable agent for change and impact in the Creative Economy, and an appreciation of its power should propel us all futureward with vigour and excitement.
Zingisa’s journey, through its many facets as a mother, daughter, corporate executive and mentor, is a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing vulnerability, authenticity and courage in leadership.
As we celebrate Women’s Day, let us be reminded by Zingisa Motloba and all the incredible women who advocate for and shape South Africa’s creative landscape with strength, resilience, and the transformative power of authenticity, that our best experiences are still ahead of us. Let us be reminded that being afforded space in the arena and daring to be brave are themselves worthwhile pursuits, albeit not the only ones!
Article by Celeste Jacobs
