Mentor Rahab Matebane, executive director for human capital and facilities management at Mekan Group, and her mentee, Zanele Vilakazi, a human capital intern, share their experience on mentorship and what it has meant for them.
During the recent 9th Annual Executive Women’s event, hosted in partnership with CFO and CIO South Africa, executive women from each community were invited to bring their mentees to participate in the learning and networking experience. CHRO South Africa had the opportunity to speak with Rahab Matebane and her mentee, Zanele Vilakazi, on how their mentorship journey has been.
Rahab, what have been the most important things you have tried to impart to your mentee, and why?
To build networks within the profession. This is mainly because the human capital field can get very lonely. You need build your support system of people who can give you professional support, advice and at times clarity in critical decision-making moments
Zanele, what valuable lessons have you learnt from your mentor, and how have they been useful in your development and career?
To believe in myself. Not only has she challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, but has also shown me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to.
Rahab, how do you approach mentoring, and what are the key lessons you aim to impart?
Mentoring, in my opinion, is an activation of a mentee’s innate abilities, it is more about offering support, embrace their uniqueness in supporting a set goal.
Zanele, can you share a success story from your mentoring experience that you’re particularly proud of?
When I first started working for the organisation, I was required to create an observation Calendar, and I completed the assignment with satisfaction. I was then required to organise my first observation day celebration, and of course she had to assist me in planning. It was not only a huge success, but also the organisation's first blood drive ever. I received a treat as an expression of appreciation.
Rahab, what have you learned from your mentee in the process? And how has it helped you as a leader?
Zanele is very confident and holds me to account, especially on the value proposition that I have instilled in the team.
Zanele, what have you learned from your mentor in the process? And how has it helped you develop?
My current mentor (Rahab) is also my manager at work. The very first thing she taught me was to have confidence in myself. Not all the work we do is easy, but if we have just enough faith, nothing is impossible.
She also taught me to work independently – she has consistently demonstrated her faith and confidence in me by letting me take opportunities and without imposing her ideas, which adds to the excitement of my work.
Lastly, Rahab, what do you think the current generation of business leaders could learn from those who are coming up?
Fineness of value proposition over aesthetics. Always establish the WHY (desire), describe it, feed it and embrace it. John Maxwell says, “Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their capabilities. They vary in their desire to reach their potential.”
And in closing, Zanele, what do you think the current generation of business leaders could learn from mentees like yourself?
Empathy. In this instant the ability to relate to and understand the struggles and journey of a mentee. Even when you think you have a better plan or method for handling your mentee’s problems, it’s crucial to appreciate their input in situations.
