Zandile Thwala
What does Women’s Month mean to you?
Women’s Month is a time to honour the strength, resilience, and achievements of women—past and present. It reminds me of how far we’ve come in the fight for equality, and how much work still needs to be done. Personally, it’s also a moment of reflection and appreciation for the women who’ve shaped my life—family, mentors, colleagues, and friends. It’s a celebration of our power, a call to uplift each other, and a reminder to keep pushing for spaces where women are respected, heard, and given equal opportunities to lead and thrive.
What do you believe South African women are still not saying out loud and need to?
I believe many South African women are still not saying “I am tired of being strong all the time.” There’s an unspoken pressure to always be resilient, to endure, and to carry heavy burdens without showing vulnerability
Regarding your career, what was the most surprising lesson you learned about yourself?
The most surprising lesson I learned about myself is that I’m far more adaptable than I thought. There were moments when plans changed, pressure was intense, or I had to step into roles I didn’t feel fully ready for, but I rose to the occasion. I’ve learned that growth often happens in uncomfortable spaces, and I’m capable of navigating challenges with resilience, creativity, and calm under pressure. That realization gave me the confidence to take on more, speak up more, and trust my instincts.
What was the turning point when you felt, “I belong here, and I can thrive”?
In November 2022, Mohammed Vachiat, the CCO, gave me the opportunity to lead one of the company’s largest projects, RT3. He entrusted me with full responsibility to manage it in the way I saw best. That moment was a breakthrough for me, it made me feel like I truly belonged.
What does it mean to you to have grown from trainee to a long-standing team member at Konica Minolta?
It means everything to me, it’s a journey that reflects growth, perseverance, and trust. Starting as a trainee, I was eager to learn and prove myself. Over time, I’ve not only developed professionally but also built meaningful relationships and contributed to the team’s success. Being a long-standing member shows that I’ve earned my place, and that the company has provided a space where I could evolve and add value. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come, and how much more I still want to achieve.
If you could speak to your younger self on Day 1 of training, what would you say?
It does get better Take a deep breath; you’ve got this. Don’t doubt your place here. You’ll make mistakes, but you’ll grow so much from them.
How has your confidence evolved over the past decade?
Over the past decade, my confidence has grown from quiet self-doubt to a grounded sense of self-belief. In the beginning, I often second-guessed myself or waited for validation. But with every challenge I’ve faced, every lesson I’ve learned, and every goal I’ve reached, I’ve become more sure of my voice, my value, and my ability to lead and contribute meaningfully.
What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of women at Konica Minolta South Africa?
I hope to leave a legacy of courage, authenticity, and support. I want the next generation of women to know that they can lead with confidence, speak up without fear, and succeed without compromising who they are. I hope my journey shows that it's possible to grow, thrive, and make a meaningful impact, even when the odds feel stacked against you.
What do you want other young women to know about careers in this space, especially those who may feel it’s not ‘for them’?
I want other young women to know that careers in this space are absolutely accessible to them, even if it might not seem that way at first. It’s normal to feel like you don’t belong or that the field is intimidating, but the truth is that skills, confidence, and leadership can be developed with time and opportunity. Don’t let stereotypes or doubt hold you back seek out mentors, be curious, and take on challenges, even if they feel daunting.
How have you seen the printing and technology industry change over the past decade, especially for women?
Over the past decade, the printing and technology industry has evolved significantly, becoming more inclusive and dynamic. For women, there has been a noticeable shift toward greater representation and leadership opportunities, although there’s still progress to be made. Technology itself has advanced rapidly, opening new roles that require diverse skills—from digital solutions to sustainability innovations
What excites you most about the future of this industry and your role in it?
What excites me most about the future of the printing and technology industry is the endless potential for innovation and positive impact. As technology continues to evolve, there are incredible opportunities to create smarter, more sustainable solutions that can transform how businesses and people connect and communicate. For me personally, being part of this change means I get to grow, lead, and contribute to projects that push boundaries and drive progress.
What legacy would you like to leave behind in your role or team?
The legacy I want to leave behind in my role and team is one of empowerment, growth, and inclusivity. I hope to be remembered for creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and encouraged to reach their full potential. I want to inspire others, especially young women—to believe in themselves and take on challenges confidently.