With a unique journey from computer science to human resources, Nomzabalazo Makubalo now thrives as Rand Merchant Bank’s chief people officer, championing people-centric organisational culture.
Nomzabalazo “Nomza” Makubalo’s career trajectory from a Bachelor of Science Honours degree to becoming the chief people officer at Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) is as unique as it is inspiring.
Nomza began her academic journey at the University of Witwatersrand, initially contemplating a career in law. However, her interests soon pivoted towards the sciences, leading her to a degree in computer science. Despite the promising prospects in IT, Makubalo felt out of place. "I really didn't want to work in IT. It didn't inspire me, it didn't motivate me, I just felt out of place," she reflects.
Her accidental encounter with industrial psychology as a filler course during her computer science studies proved to be a turning point. “I really enjoyed industrial psychology,” she says, adding that it opened her eyes to the possibilities within human resources. This newfound interest led her to pursue and complete an honours degree in industrial psychology, setting the foundation for her future in HR.
Nomza’s professional journey started at Multichoice, where she honed her skills in psychometric assessments. Whilst doing her postgraduate studies, she got a part-time opportunity to work at ABI, a bottling company, where she gained extensive experience in HR, particularly in learning and development. This hands-on experience was crucial, as she emphasises, "A lot of my foundational human capital and HR experience came from ABI and MultiChoice." Following her tenure at ABI, she moved back to MultiChoice where her career in human resources propelled, where she started as an industrial psychology intern until she became the HR manager for their technology and digital media businesses.
Her tenure at MultiChoice was followed by a significant role as the head of human capital for the investment banking business at RMB, a place where she found a culture that resonated deeply with her personal values. “It’s about the culture, it’s about the type of work I do, and it’s about a company that really values people,” she says. RMB’s people-centric approach and emphasis on human capital as a strategic asset made it an ideal fit for her.
Nomza’s commitment to organisations with a strong focus on people and culture is evident in her longevity at her employers. “I’m very particular about the organisations I work for,” she asserts. She values workplaces where HR has a genuine voice at the executive table, ensuring that people are at the core of organisational strategy.
Beyond her professional achievements, Nomza’s personal story is equally compelling. Named by her politically conscious and humanist father, her name, Nomzabalazo, meaning “mother of the struggle/revolution” or “to persevere until you succeed,” which embodies her approach to life and work. “I am that person. I’m very passionate, very focused, and very diligent,” she shares.
Her journey is not just about professional success but also about making meaningful contributions to the organisations she serves. As the CPO of RMB, Nomza is not just an HR leader but a champion of a culture where people are valued and nurtured.
In her own words, she describes herself as passionate, authentic, nurturing and diligent – qualities that have undoubtedly fuelled her remarkable journey from computer science to the helm of human resources at RMB.
