6 minute read
Towards a thriving Free State economy
By Kamogelo Seekoei
Legacy driven leadership
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For someone who had no aspirations to be in politics and actually began her career in the private sector, Free State Treasury MEC, Gadija Brown has done very well in the political sphere. One could say her rise in politics has been meteoric.
But it is her work that has done all the talking for her. Gadija meets Ignited Woman team at The Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg. She is relaxed and insists on being called by her name and not addressed as MEC. This immediately speaks to her legend as an approachable leader.
Pic: Basetsana Makhalemele
From the banking sector, where she was involved in the formulation of transformative policies that accommodated people of colour to impactful work she started as head of two government departments – Department of Economic, Small Business Development (Destea) and public works and infrastructure - in the province; her influence can be felt. Her first role in government was as CFO then Deputy Director General at Destea.
Through her roles Gadija’s aim is to influence the kind of transformation that will propel the Free State forward. She believes that the investments that the province has made in education alone can assist in taking the Free State to a space where citizens truly benefit the fruits of democracy.
The journey into politics
AS a young girl growing up Elizabeth, now known in as Port Gqeberha, her family was actively involved in the struggle for freedom – but politics were the furthest thing in her mind when she left home for Johannesburg at just 19-years to start a career in banking.
After three years in Gauteng she moved to Bloemfontein at the age of 22 and studied at the University of the Free State and subsequently worked in commercial banks. She joined the private sector at the encouragement of her family, who felt they wanted something different for her.
“The sacrifices my father made during apartheid coupled with my families progressive politics; they always wanted something different for me and encouraged me to move into the private sector. My father past away in 2012 and I then joined government in August 2014, ” states the MEC.
Working in the banks she was fortunate to have been appointed to various managerial positions at a young age and wanted to make a difference. “So as I sought opportunities to make a difference I was involved in diversity programmes that reached out to black business people and government, ” she says.
Her work in the banking sector enabled her to work with top ranking government officials who observed her at work and she was finally pouched for her skills.
“It just became a natural calling. I had to sacrifice and move out of my own space in my quest of joining the call made to the biggest liberation movement by the South African electorate.
One of my aspirations has always been to see the achievement of a National Democratic Society as well as the economic emancipation of Africans in general and blacks in particular and I have decided to be one of the selfless leaders, ” she says.
Being in the public sector and in particular in her role as MEC, Gadija now has a broader and more insightful view of society, she concedes.
“I have a high level understanding of the micro and macro environment in which the government operates. This is a privilege not a lot of people have and a space where I truly feel I can make a meaningful impact, ” she affirms.
Investing in skills development
She says during the time that she has been in government; the province has invested in more than 4000 bursaries of which 1020 international and the rest in local universities.
“Our bursary policy specifically outlines that bursaries are aligned to the Free State Growth and
Development Strategy, skills set to support the future economy. Maths and Science has been high on the agenda, engineers, Agricultural scientists, doctors and technical skills have been priority.
Having a strong foundation in this regard provides a great level of readiness for skilled workers so that the mix between skilled and unskilled workers are relevant to the market, ” she says.
Getting support to thrive
One the imperative resources to have in order to succeed is a mentor, Gadija asserts. She says a mentor is a precious commodity that she has ensured to possess throughout her career and it has worked out.
“Find yourself a mentor, be it formal or informal. Yes you do need support, people around you who will motivate you, support you and guide you. I could have never achieved this on my own, ” she says.
She recommends that other women adopt an attitude of yes I can and remain hopeful because then you will inspire hope to all those around you.
“Be solution based and find answers not problems, ” she says, emphasizing that the notion that a woman may only get to her position or a position of influence by superfluous favours should be dismissed.
“My greatest dream is to instil in woman that they have a voice. My career started with a monthly pay check of R800.00. With that as a starting salary, I found financial freedom, saved, purchased appreciating assets and understood that in life we do not have to keep up with a lifestyle and live," she says.
Legacy building and being a beacon for women
The mom of two believes in being the change she wants to see in the world and seeing more collaboration between women. Seeing women especially young women participating fully in the mainstream economy and owning the means of production is one of her missions.
Her advocacy for the young woman includes assisting them in developing a skill, learning self-confidence, giving them a platform to have a voice, the socio economic challenges in various parts of the province is vastly different so to tailor make solutions is very different.
“Our government has so many various support programmes, platforms and initiatives to address socio economic challenges, we just need to assist young woman in leveraging on them. ”
“I want to be part of the women who multiplies the ideals and aspirations of our departed heroes like Mama Charlotte Maxeke, Mama Albertina Sisulu, Mama Winnie Mandela and many other female leaders, ” she says.
The leader of the people –on leadership philosophy
Nothing in the workplace is above or beneath me. If I have to tackle difficult, conflicting and disruptive tasks, I take them on, make mistakes, learn by it and if it was successful, it is a bonus. No, task it too tedious or mundane to me.
My philosophy is to adjust strategy and execution amid complex social, political, legal and economic forces without compromising the values and principles of the African National Congress.
Sound advice:
