Bay manager scoops national leadership award
Mhlathuze Water’s Simphiwe Xulu wins top leadership award
HER leadership and managerial skills were recognised on a national scale when Mhlathuze Water’s Simphiwe Xulu won the coveted ‘Future Black Leader Award’ at the 13th Oliver Empowerment Awards in Johannesburg last week.
Xulu, who is the Operations Manager for the Nsezi Water Treatment Plant in Richards Bay, received the prestigious accolade at a glamorous ceremony at Emperors Palace on Friday.
In its 13th year, the Oliver Empowerment Awards recognises outstanding leaders and organisations who have exemplified inspiration, vision, innovation, leadership and action for empowerment and transformation.
As a young black leader with true mettle, Xulu was hailed for her outstanding contribution to the organisation’s success and performance through innovative strategies and solutions.
Xulu is responsible for the flagship operation of Mhlathuze Water – the Nsezi Water Treatment Plant – where she leads a predominantly male team of process controllers, supervisors and technologists.
She is a registered professional engineering technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa, possessing a B-Tech: Chemical Engineering and Master of Business Leadership (MBL).
Her specialty is in production process technologies specifically water and waste water systems and she has more than 15 years of experience in the industry.
‘I am honoured to receive such an award especially since I am in a profession that has always been a male dominated arena,’ said Xulu.
‘This award reaffirms my commitment to continuously making a positive difference by instilling values of self-worth. I also want to motivate and encourage people to excel and develop themselves for their own career progression within the organisation and in the society in which we operate,’ Xulu said.
Mhlathuze Water was also named as finalists in the ‘Most Transformed Public Sector’ and ‘Skills Development’ categories.
‘Receiving awards of this nature is a great validation of our efforts and commitment in contributing towards shaping a better South Africa for all of us,’ said Acting Chief Executive Officer, Sibusiso Makhanya.
‘On behalf of the board, management and staff of Mhlathuze Water, I would like to congratulate Simphiwe Xulu and wish her all the best in her journey towards success.’
