SA Lady Becomes Manager at Africa’s Largest Retailer After Facing Years of Unemployment

• A South African woman proved the power of perseverance after becoming a manager at Africa’s largest retailer 
• The lady had faced years of unemployment after matric and then landed a job that would inspire many to remain hopeful 
• Her ability to trust the process and carry on with life gracefully awarded her a fulfilling position 
• Briefly News reached out to the resilient woman to hear more about her story and what she stayed motivated enough to keep going

Finding a good job with a rewarding work environment is scarce these days as more employers complain about being mistreated at work.

The employees find it hard to leave toxic workplaces and endure the brutality that comes with the paycheque since Mzansi’s unemployment rate is low.

SA lady becomes manager at Africa’s largest retailer

One South African lady, Kholiswa Mda shared her inspiring story of experiencing her fair share of being unemployed for three years after graduating high school. The Xhosa woman from Mdabtsabe stayed hopeful and landed her first job at Checkers Nahoon in East London as a till packer:

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“I wanted to become a nurse, but due to financial constraints, I couldn’t afford to further my studies. It was a very difficult time as my mother was also unemployed, so I had to try everything to earn an income.

“In 2004, I enrolled for a number of nursing short courses, only to discover that the training facility wasn’t a registered authority. Even though retail wasn’t part of my initial plans, fortunately, I applied for a job at Shoprite shortly thereafter and that really kickstarted my career. “

Although it was not her dream job, Mda put her best foot forward. The lady was encouraged by her now-late friend, Lulama Gqoli who worked as a Money Market Clerk at the time to apply for the entry-level job.

Mda’s retail career started in February of 2006 and has developed into a rewarding journey. The lady quickly advanced from till packer to cashier and eventually became a Money Market Clerk – all within a year. By 2008, she was entrusted with roles in cash office management and receiving administration before moving to Queenstown to assume the role of Stock Administrator in 2009.  

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Three years later, her leadership potential was recognised, and Mda was promoted to Trainee Manager, followed by a position as Administrative Manager. After transferring to Cradock in 2018 to be closer to her family, she earned a promotion to Trainee Regional Manager in 2020. 

Shortly after securing a new role, Mda assumed her current role as Regional Administrative Manager for the Chris Hani Region in the Eastern Cape which includes areas such as Engcobo, Lady Frere, Tsomo, Elliot, Queenstown, Indwe, Cradock and Middelburg:

“My mother was my biggest cheerleader, always encouraging me and reminding me how blessed I am to have a job. I was very excited to start working and earning my own money, knowing I could provide for my (now) 11-year-old daughter.

“The first thing I bought for myself was a new cell phone, as I was used to getting hand-me-downs when one of my family members upgraded. At the time I was just focused on getting it right and keeping my job – I had no idea what other opportunities lay ahead. Today, I am proud of how far I have come!”

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The enthusiastic and resilient woman shared that every day is an adventure:

“I love the daily challenges I encounter - no two days are ever the same. It’s fast-paced, dynamic, and never dull.”

Mda plans to pursue studies in Human Resources or Marketing, leveraging her education to continue advancing within Shoprite:

“There are countless opportunities — it’s up to everyone to seize them and make the most of them. No matter where you start, there’s always potential to grow and advance.”

3 More inspiring stories by Briefly News

• Two Mzansi best friends shared their different journeys to success after graduating high school together and living luxuriously years later
• South Africans were moved by one lady's inspiring success through short courses. Hun plugs them via TikTok video
• Mzansi was inspired to reach for the stars after watching scholars share what their wealthy parents do for a living in a viral TikToK video

Source: Briefly News