Sassda recently posted a series of in-depth interviews with the female leaders shaping our industry on our social media channels.
Tholwana Mogowane: Leadership, Advocacy & Growth in the Stainless Steel Industry
NSSC Director Tholwana Mogowane embodies resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering growth in the stainless steel industry. Her journey from a logistics graduate to a leadership role reflects her determination to overcome challenges and break barriers in a traditionally male dominated field.
A foundation of learning and growth
Starting her career in logistics, Tholwana faced the difficulty of unemployment post-graduation. However, an opportunity paved the way for her to pursue postgraduate studies while working. This dual approach provided her with both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary for career advancement.
Tholwana credits her academic and professional experiences with equipping her for her leadership role. “Studying while working gave me both the foundation and the insight needed to navigate complex challenges,” she reflects.
Modern leadership and the evolving workplace
As a leader, Tholwana has embraced the evolution of leadership styles. She stresses the importance of moving beyond transactional methods to more inclusive and empathetic approaches. “To succeed today, you need to adapt to the times. That’s the only way to build trust and inspire diverse teams,” she explains.
Her passion for stainless steel further fuels her advocacy for the material, often educating others about its vast applications and potential.
Breaking barriers
Tholwana’s role has not been without challenges. As a young Black woman leading teams in a male-dominated field, she has faced biases and assumptions about her abilities. “I have worked with older men who have been in the industry for decades,” she says. “I approached it with humility, letting them teach me, but also with assertiveness to lead effectively.” Her leadership style balances respect for experience with clear direction, earning her team’s trust while challenging stereotypes.
Balancing multiple roles
Tholwana juggles her roles as a mother, wife, student, and leader with remarkable poise. She candidly discusses the difficulties of trying to “have it all,” advocating instead for prioritisation to prevent burnout. “You need to choose what matters most in the moment,” she advises, acknowledging the crucial role her family and mentors play in her ability to balance these demands.
Empowering future leaders
A champion of diversity, Tholwana is actively involved in apprenticeship and training programs at NSSC. She prioritizes recruiting women into roles such as boilermakers and machine operators, providing them with broad training and career development opportunities. “We’re opening doors for those who may not have considered these paths before,” she says, celebrating the success of apprentices who have risen to leadership roles.
Emotional intelligence as a cornerstone
Tholwana underscores the importance of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. She believes self awareness and understanding others’ emotions are key to making balanced decisions. “You need to lead with empathy and build trust to inspire your team,” she explains.
A vision for the future
Tholwana Mogowane’s story is one of resilience, mentorship, and advocacy. Her leadership not only inspires those within her organization but also serves as a beacon for the broader stainless steel industry. “There’s a wealth of knowledge and people willing to help you just need to find the right support at the right time,”she says, encouraging others to seek mentorship and opportunities.
Through her dedication to empowering others and her passion for stainless steel, Tholwana continues to shape the industry and open doors for future leaders.