menu
back

Hlabano selected for prime positon at Phakama Academy

Phakama Women's Academy

April 2015 - Melissa Nortje's mentee, Amukelani Hlabano, has been appointed the 2015 intern for the VWV Phakama Women's Academy.

Nortje (Executive Head of Strategy, Development and Marketing at First Car Rental) was invited to mentor Hlabano in the inaugural programme.

Phakama Women's Academy

Amukelani Hlabano at her graduation ceremony last year

Launched in 2014, the Phakama Women's Academy is an initiative from the brand experience agency VWV that aims to empower young women by giving them the skills they need to rise up in the corporate world.

Phakama means 'to rise' in Zulu and Xhosa

Hlabano was one of twenty-five students who graduated from the academy's pilot programme last year. Nearly 80% of the female graduates are now working at leading companies throughout South Africa.

According to VWV Group CEO and founder of the academy, Koo Govender, Hlabano demonstrated impressive leadership skills and potential during her participation in the three month skills development programme. This put her in the running for the coveted position she holds today and will give her the opportunity to work with the new intake of Phakama students in 2015.

During the programme last year, Nortje flew Hlabano to her mentoring sessions, and helped her become independent by sponsoring her car driving lessons. Govender will take over this mentorship role during Hlabano's time at VWV.

Click here to read more about the Phakama Women's Academy.

First in Car Hire. First in Service.