Changing Faces: Brand Manager

Let's get started, where were you born and raised?
I was born in Baragwanath Soweto 1983,  lived in Soweto for the first 5 years of my life.  I lived in the Eastern Cape for 2 years before coming back to Johannesburg after the release of late President Nelson Mandela.  I went from a rural missionary school to a private convent model C school where I completed my primary schooling (Holy Rosary Convent).  At this point I was living in Edenvale, no kids playing in the street just birds and trees…. I completed my high school in Edenglen High School,  a public co-ed school which was another twist to my tale. I grew up with my younger sister and raised by my widowed mother working as a PA.  I had a lot that I needed but like any other kid I thought I was not fortunate enough, I look back on my childhood and really couldn’t have asked for a different mother.

What is your current role?

I work as a Brand Manager for the Twinsaver brand

What did you study and are you using it now?

I majored in Marketing, B. Tech Marketing.  I was in sales and now am in brand so I have used it since the beginning of my career

How long have you been working and do you miss life before that?

I have been working for 9 years.  I don’t really miss any of my time prior to working.

Describe your typical work day?

Not all my days are the same however ensuring performance to plan is a major priority.  Managing projects is a constant process that I need to nurture.

What do you feel is holding black women from progressing in the work place?

I think most black woman have an inferiority complex issue that needs to be addressed.  Being vocal as a black person I find is shunned upon in a corporate environment.

Advice on those wanting to join your line of work?

No monotony, if you're passionate about brands this is what you need to do and strategy development coupled with the follow through of it.


*names and faces have been deliberately omitted