She says HR execs could find a solution to SA's social challenges if they work together.
Tirelo Sibisi, Executive Vice President of Group Human Resources at AngloGoldAshanti began her career as a social worker. But, after practising for two years, she found the job was too emotionally draining and she stumbled into HR after a chance invitation to a people management career seminar.
On Thursday, CHRO met with Tirelo who said she has often come to be referred as the conscience of the organisation wherever she worked because it is important to her that she makes a meaningful impact in every role she has had, whether it is through mentorship programmes or through building communities. While she was at PPC, for example, she found it highly rewarding to be part of an executive committee that had their operational staff has shareholders and built houses for some of them.
She says with the current macro socio economic challenges in SA today including high unemployment rates, HR Executives with their influence at leadership level can play a pivotal role in coming up with lasting solutions to help alleviate some of the social challenges while contributing to organisational performance and success.
She has been fortunate to have been mentored by successful black females, who saw something in her and gave her an opportunity to become the successful in her career. This is why she is a strong believer in mentorship and up-skilling young talent to enable them to climb the corporate ladder and meaningfully contribute to their respective organisations.
“Companies often want people who are ready to jump into a new role and hit the ground running but sometimes it’s about reminding leaders that they are successful because someone also gave them an opportunity – they were not born CEO’s - they were also given a chance by people who believed in them.
We have to offer young hard working people opportunities” said Tirelo
