In a country where every greeting, proverb, or shared meal carries echoes of heritage, HR leaders such as Tembi Topham, HR executive for talent & D&I at RCL Foods; Phil Tshikotshi, vice president of HR at Startek; Khululiwe Nxumalo, head of people, culture and learning at Starbucks South Africa; and Angela Munger, head of HR for the MEA region at Centurion Systems, are finding ways to let heritage breathe throughout the workplace.
Tembi Topham, HR executive for talent & D&I at RCL Foods shares how her personal upbringing has shaped how she leads others, infusing every decision with values learnt at home.
“Growing up in a diverse South African family that valued and practiced Ubuntu, the idea that ‘I am because we are’, emphasis on WE – taught me that leadership is about shared humanity and collective progress. That philosophy guides how I build inclusive teams, develop talent and measure success. It’s never just about personal achievement, but about lifting others and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”
Something from her heritage she wants to bring into the workplace is storytelling as she views it as a wisdom of connection and perspective.
“In many African traditions, stories carry wisdom, values and hope across generations. Bringing storytelling into the workplace whether through mentoring, recognition rituals, or sharing customer impact narratives, reminds us why our work matters and strengthens our sense of belonging.”
She describes how such small gestures can shape connection and creativity and reflects on the moments that often go unnoticed.
“Heritage shows up in the everyday ways colleagues greet one another, the foods we share, the stories we tell, and even the perspectives we bring to problem-solving,” she says.
“When organisations make space for these differences, it deepens connection: people feel recognised as whole human beings, not just job titles. It’s also a powerful innovation driver as diverse cultural lenses spark creativity and help us design products and solutions that resonate with South Africa’s rich customer base.”
Heritage as a force
This belief that heritage should be integrated, not just celebrated, is shared by Phil Tshikotshi, vice president of HR at Startek.
Phil sees heritage as a force that shapes how colleagues interact, problem-solve and collaborate. He notes the sense of community that emerges when cultural identity is embraced.
“A meaningful way to celebrate heritage is by embedding it into everyday organisational practices. For example, recognising cultural holidays in leave policies, featuring diverse traditions in internal communications, or even incorporating cultural elements into wellness and team-building activities. These consistent gestures show employees that their identity is valued every day, not just on heritage month.”
He explains how his Venda heritage has deeply influenced his approach to leadership and shares a guiding proverb. “My Venda heritage taught me the value of Ubuntu (Vhuthu) – that leadership is about people and collective success. It shaped me into a leader who prioritises empathy, unity, and service to others.”
“Muthu ndi muthu nga vhathu, meaning a person is a person through other people, reminds us that we exist and thrive because of our relationships with others. I believe this value belongs in every workplace, because respect, empathy, and community are the foundation of true collaboration and success.”
Different spices
At Starbucks South Africa, Khululiwe Nxumalo, the head of people, culture and learning, observes how heritage transforms ordinary workplace moments into meaningful connections. For her, celebrating heritage is about creating ongoing experiences that honour diversity.
“When people bring their culture to work, it’s like adding different spices to the same pot, and suddenly the whole meal tastes richer. It creates warmth, connection and a feeling of ‘I belong here’.”
“It's about weaving heritage into the everyday fabric of work life. Instead of only waiting for Heritage Day, imagine monthly culture spotlights where someone shares music, food, or even a fun saying from their background. That way, culture becomes something we live, not just a calendar invite.”
She points to Starbucks' own Coffee Championships as an example of this cultural weaving. The competition, she says, isn’t just about coffee as they celebrate diversity, connection and storytelling.
When asked about the part of her heritage that most shaped her as a leader, Khululiwe proudly mentions being a Zulu girl and the concept of Ubuntu.
Shared values
“It reminds me that leadership is not about standing in front, it’s about walking with others. It shaped me into a leader who celebrates collective wins and makes sure no one is left behind.”
“In rural life, there are always community moments that honour people who live out shared values and I think workplaces can do the same. Celebrating those who consistently bring the culture to life could be our anchor point, the thing that keeps us connected across generations. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll replace Employee of the Month with Community Hero of the Month. That’s heritage at work."
And for Angela Munger, head of HR for the MEA region at Centurion Systems, although her heritage is a mix of backgrounds, the value of tolerance and Ubuntu remains central.
“An important value of heritage for me is tolerance. Tolerance of other people’s religions and cultures,” she says. “I feel very blessed to have grown up in a diverse family and environment, surrounded by different cultures and faiths. That experience taught me to accept, to listen and to find meaning in the richness of traditions that aren’t my own. For me, it’s about tolerance, but also a deep curiosity to embrace and learn from others.”
