Pumela Salela, who rose from living in a one roomed home to become the Head of Brand South Africa in the United Kingdom, addressed the Rutland Biz Club lunch at The Falcon Hotel in Uppingham on Thursday 16 August.
Pumela inspired attendees with her personal success story made possible thanks to a Nelson Mandela Scholarship. Her early years spent living with her family in one room with no running water or electricity, led her to dream bigger.
Pumela said: “I am a South African child inspired by Mandela. I regard obstacles as things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. My role as the Country Head for the UK under Brand South Africa, is my dream job, a calling. When Nelson Mandela awarded me my scholarship he took my hand and said to me, ‘You are my ambassador, go out and carry my name’.”
Attendees also heard how South Africa is open for business. Pumela’s role as Country head of Brand South Africa, treats the country as a brand, offering globally competitive economic opportunities and collaboration between South Africa and the UK.
Opportunities include a transformation and national development plan, strong bilateral trade deals and investment. The UK, as the country’s largest investor, has pledged £50m to take away barriers to trade as part of a deal between Prime Minster Theresa May and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, agreed at the recent Commonwealth Summit.
Pumela said: “South Africa has come out of the shadows. The World Bank has revised its rating from negative to stable and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) sees the country in a state of recovery. Our President Cyril Ramaphosa has also appointed four trade envoys with a target to go around the world to raise $100billion.”
Strides have been made in South Africa to promote the emancipation of women with a Commission on Gender Equality, a fully dedicated Ministry for Women and employment rights for women and disabled people whose foundation is enshrined in the constitution of South Africa. Poverty is also being addressed with access to healthcare, with a new formalised healthcare system in the pipeline and basic housing where people have running water and electricity.
Biz Club President Geoffrey Pointon said: “I heard Pumela speak at an event in London and I was so inspired by her story I persuaded her to come and speak at the Biz Club. Her vison, determination and fortitude in the face of such incredible adversity is an example for us all to follow.”
