MGOC's Leading Women

Moipone Group of Companies is a conglomerate with interests in fleet management, property development, ICT and clean energy. The main subsidiary company is Moipone Fleet which offers fleet management solutions to the private and public sector. The mission of the conglomerate is to empower the disenfranchised; through creating opportunities to grow within the organization and in the greater community.

MGOC holds its mission statement to high regard and implements it throughout its value chain and management structures where women dominate in key leadership positions.

In a recent interview on Power FM, the transport department expressed their concerns about the lack of women within the transport sector, be it rail, aviation, maritime, logistics and fleet. MGOC as a visionary conglomerate has always supported the growth of women in leadership positions, unapologetically. The Group CEO, Mr. Joseph Lebakeng headhunts young women of all races that he believes have the potential and capabilities to elevate the conglomerate.

Workshop Manager of Moipone Fleet, Rose Masango, describes the working environment as supportive. She further elaborates that her CEO, Teboho Lebakeng continues to take her out of her comfort zone and believes in her capabilities more than she does at times.

A study conducted by BI Norwegian Business School found that women out-performed men in the four of the five categories, which were; openness and the ability to innovate, initiative and clear communication, sociability and supportiveness and methodical management and goal-setting. This explains why MGOC has entrusted women to run key areas that drive business success.

The conglomerate has 11 female managers, in senior, middle and executive roles. Of the group’s 67 employees, 37 are women. When discussing gender stereotypes, Martha Maimela, Moipone Fleet’s Senior Financial Manager, lamented that due to the fleet management industry being male-dominated, there was a lack of respect and confidence in women leaders.

Lesego Bapela, Moipone Fleet’s fleet manager, began working as the Group CEO’s PA in 2008. She added; “This is an industry where people continue to be amazed to see young, black women involved, passionate and eager to learn about the field. This perception is old-fashioned but has a huge impact on building one’s career as it demands one to be bold in their approach. This means one has to demand authority even when you already have it, which is why I learned that if you feel that you are at a disadvantage then you are already and that I am my own success.”

MGOC’s Legal Manager, Chris-Mari Delpoort shared that the group’s culture is accommodating and concerned about the employee’s overall wellbeing, which is not what she is used to.

Karabo Malete (Moipone Fleet’s newly appointed Key Accounts Manager), Ellah Moiroagale (Moipone Security Service’s Managing Director) and Asanda Masangwana (MGOC’s HR Manager) agree that the environment at MGOC is nurturing for women leaders. Karabo remarked; “We are a young and fresh bunch. Looking at the number of women in the business, I can say that MGOC is very nurturing and trusts that women can sail the ship just as well. I am given full responsibility and coached when necessary which is a great process of growth.”

Business Development Manager, Hadio Ntshingane and Group Marketing and Communications Manager Keamogetswe Matsho, believe that MGOC has empowered them immensely and look forward to leveraging their skills to build the brand.

Sussan Botha (LBK’s newly appointed Office Manager) comments that she has learnt a lot from LBK CEO, Brian Kgariya in a short space of time and is excited about what the future holds.

Group Executive Manager Palesa Lebakeng concluded the following; “The fleet industry and my position is demanding and fast-paced. However, MGOC acknowledges that female senior executives attach the greatest importance to “communal” aspects of the workplace, such as working relationships, customer quality focus and communication. I have received support from the executive team through coaching from the COO. MGOC invests in my studies which will ultimately develop my career and improve my performance”.

With the above said, it is evident that MGOC and its subsidiary companies offer women managers a platform to develop themselves and the confidence to break glass ceilings in male dominated industries.

For more information on Moipone Group of Companies, visit : www.moiponegroup.co.za and www.moiponefleet.co.za