Full Name: Ntombi Felicia Msiza

Position and Company Name: CEO of Raubex Group

Main Activity of the Company: Raubex is one of South Africa’s leading infrastructure development and construction materials supply groups. It operates throughout southern Africa and in Western Australia

Date and Place of Birth: I was born in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria, but our family later moved to Soshanguve, north of Pretoria

Schools and Tertiary Education: I attended Agnes Chidi Primary School, before proceeding to Memezelo High School and later to Promat Private College, where I completed my matric. I subsequently registered for a BCom degree at the University of Pretoria, which I completed at Vista University. I then completed a Higher Tax Diploma and an MBA. With my passion for strategy, governance and risk, I went on to qualify as a Chartered Director (South Africa) through the Institute of Directors SA

First Job: Articled clerk at Deloitte

Size of First Pay Packet: Less than R2 000 a month

Career Path to Date: I have held positions in several publicly listed companies as well as within the public sector. In addition to my board service for multiple organisations, I currently serve as CEO and board member of Raubex

Value of Assets under Your Control: R7.5-billion

Number of People under Your Leadership: About 19 000 employees, of whom 9 200 are directly employed by Raubex and the balance of 9 800 indirectly

Management Style: Leading by example and keeping a finger on the pulse of the business. I do not micromanage my Exco team but rather assess how each team or operation performs. I also strive to connect with employees and show unity and respect for their work

Personal Best Achievement: Mine has been a journey of growth and excellence. My path is marked by a series of remarkable personal achievements that reflect dedication, resilience, and a drive for excellence. From my humble beginnings in Mamelodi and Soshanguve, my commitment to education, empowerment and a passion for strategic leadership have propelled me to the upper tiers of business in South Africa

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father – he instilled in me the belief that perseverance is essential, regardless of the challenges faced

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My grandmother – she played an instrumental role in raising me. She was a strong figure at home, at work and in our community. She was able to balance different roles and showed me what resilience and determination looked like. Her “never give up” attitude taught me that no dream is too big, and no challenge too tough to tackle

Person I Would Most Like to Meet: Award-winning American actress and producer Viola Davis – she exemplifies the qualities of inner beauty that I admire, namely strength, courage and dignity

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Raubex founder Koos Raubenheimer, for his visionary leadership

Philosophy of Life: To create meaningful change and exert a positive influence, while ensuring that personal actions are consistently aligned with a clear sense of purpose

Biggest Ever Opportunity: To lead Raubex as CEO

Biggest Ever Disappointment: An unexpected breach of trust by a previously reliable individual

Hope for the Future: To foster opportunities that address the prevailing socioeconomic challenges affecting our youth, children and communities

Favourite Reading: A colleague recently gifted me the book Things I Never Said to Myself, by Duduzile Noeleen Ngwenya – it has truly been an eye-opener. The author’s honest reflections made me reconsider how I speak to myself and encouraged me to practise more self-compassion in my daily life

Favourite TV Programme: Day to day, it would have to be news about current affairs, and Business Day TV

Favourite Food/Drink: Quality seafood, accompanied by a glass of red wine

Favourite Music: Lately, I enjoy jazz for relaxation, creativity and focus

Favourite Sport: Tennis (watching), especially matches featuring Carlos Alcaraz, who, to me, is the greatest of all time

Hobbies: Astronomy, astrophotography and interior design

Car: A comfortable and reliable German engine

Pets: None

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Inconsiderate behaviour, especially judging people by their appearances, as I believe everyone deserves respect

Children: My husband and I have two sons, aged 23 and 19