Uthingo, the Zulu word for rainbow, is a proudly female-led South African business that aims to drive tangible change through our unique approach to empowerment. Inspired by our very own rainbow nation, and the desperate need for real and sustainable transformation.
The Directors at Uthingo are committed to advancing meaningful transformation in South Africa. They recognized the need for a more serious and effective approach. Consequently, they decided to lead by example and implement a more impactful strategy by starting their own ESD organisation.
Nontombi has just over 5 years’ experience in the B-BBEE industry, having worked at both consulting firms and skills development providers. Nontombi started her career in sales in the insurance industry, and is currently in her final year of her LLB qualification.
Nontombi, as well as Jhuanita’s business experience, includes instrumental involvement in the set-up and scaling of two B-BBEE consulting firms, scaling these businesses from start to over R 10 Million in turnover in under 3 years. This experience has provided valuable insight into, not only in the start-up and scaling of a B-BBEE service provider, but also into the businesses of the clients she served and traded in various industries. Nontombi has unique insight into the B-BBEE pain points of clients and how these can be addressed through effective implementation of initiatives.
Sibusiso qualified with a BCom in Economics, and is our first line contact for beneficiary analyses and service requests. Sibusiso has established himself firmly within an analytical and process driven role, he is gifted in building relationships and evaluating beneficiary needs and identifying appropriate initiatives and support structures to empower and uplift the beneficiaries.
Sibu is our go to guy when it comes to executing and managing the completion of tasks related to the initiatives implemented by Uthingo ESD.
Ashleigh is responsible for ensuring that all of our projects and initiatives are carried out according to plan. This is done with the highest level of integrity and focus. Ashleigh will ensure that the beneficiary’s due diligence is conducted according to SANAS and client standards, she is also responsible for guiding the beneficiary evaluation process.
Ashleigh is highly qualified with an Honours Degree in Psychology, she has mastered the art of reading beneficiary representatives in such a way that gaps can be identified where the beneficiary may not have realised there is a gap or weakness in their entity. This skill has proven instrumental in assisting beneficiary entities with effective and relevant initiatives, that also empower the beneficiaries to take control and make relevant changes in their organisation, to be able to operate in an independent and sustainable way.
Jhuanita has more than 10 years’ experience in the B-BBEE industry, having worked for a B-BBEE verification agency as Sales and Operations Manager. In addition, Jhuanita has worked at both B-BBEE consulting firms and skills development providers. Along with Nontombi, Jhuanita assisted two consulting firms to grow their business substantially from start to a fully sustainable independent business.
Through this process, Jhuanita gained insight into the sales, operations, human resources, and strategic aspects of a new business. During Jhuanita’s time working for a B-BBEE verification agency she was able to gain experience and understanding of the verification process, the interpretation of various elements, and the evidence required for recognition of points due to implementations. Jhuanita also has a unique understanding of the SANAS process, and how this can affect a business’s B-BBEE outcomes on the scorecard.