Happy Women’s Day! Today, we remember and reflect on 9 August, 1956, when a group of 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings to protest the restrictive pass laws enforced by the Apartheid government, which restricted the movement of black people. 

Women’s Day serves as a celebration and a reminder of the important contributions women make to society, as well as a time to ponder the advances in women’s rights.

In honour of the occasion, we’re shining the spotlight on one of our very own phenomenal women, Rentoza’s Chief Experience Officer Khosi Ncube. She tells us all about her career journey, what she’s learnt along the way, and what Women’s Day means to her.

The Journey

Khosi began her career in marketing, but was constantly being involved in operations and handling intricate business strategies, which helped her discover her passion.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the inner workings of businesses and how different operational landscapes intertwine. This curiosity led me to explore various facets of business management, from customer experience to sales, and everything in between,” she explains. 

That’s what led her to Rentoza, where she gets to meld all her experiences and learnings into her role of Chief Experience Officer. When she first joined, her primary intention was to build a physical retail sales channel within the e-commerce business model – no small feat. But fast forward to 2024, we now have six physical retail touchpoints across the country.

Learn, Adapt, Overcome

With every step of her journey, Khosi has learnt so many things, and experienced both highs and lows. “One of my proudest achievements was leading a major turnaround project for a struggling business unit.” she explains. “It was truly a sink-or-swim moment, and I’m happy to report we swam! We restructured the team, revamped our strategies, and within a year, the unit was not only back on its feet but thriving. This experience taught me the power of resilience and innovation.”

Khosi also takes pride in the relationships she’s built with her teams. “Watching team members grow, excel, and achieve their own milestones has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. It's like being the coach of an all-star team – the wins are sweeter because they’re shared.” 

Of course, the journey hasn’t always been easy. Retail is fast-paced, demanding, and male-dominated, so navigating this landscape as a woman comes with its own set of challenges. Khosi had to balance the late nights and long hours with her personal commitments, as well as fighting to be taken seriously in the industry. 

Her way of dealing? Focusing on time management, setting boundaries, proving herself through her hard work and constantly delivering results, as well as speaking up to ensure her voice is heard and respected. 

“Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, whether it’s negotiating your salary, seeking promotions, or pushing for new opportunities,” she advises. “Understand your worth and be prepared to showcase your achievements and the value you bring to your organisation. Confidence in your abilities is key.”

She continues: “As women, we often hesitate to celebrate our successes, but I’ve learned to acknowledge my worth and the impact I’ve made. This shift in mindset boosts confidence and inspires others,” she says. “ The journey hasn’t been easy, but each challenge has made me stronger and more resilient. It’s about persistence, believing in yourself, and knowing that you have the power to make a significant impact, no matter the obstacles.”

Words of Wisdom

For any young women wanting to build a career in retail/ecommerce, Khosi has one thing to say: Be true to yourself. 

“Early in my career, I thought I needed to be tougher or adopt a more masculine demeanour to gain power and respect. It’s easy to fall into the trap of mimicking those around you, especially in a male-dominated industry. However, authenticity is far more powerful. Embrace your unique strengths and perspectives – they are your greatest assets.”

She also advises that challenges are inevitable, so embrace them as opportunities to grow. “Every setback is a chance to learn something new and develop your skills. Maintain a growth mindset, believing that you can improve and adapt with effort and perseverance,” she adds.

Lastly, make sure to build a strong support network, seek out mentors who can offer guidance, and put yourself out there by attending industry events so you can meet like-minded individuals who provide valuable insight, support, and opportunities for collaboration.

Celebrating Women’s Day 

So what does Women’s Day mean to her? It’s two-fold.

“Personally, it’s a day of reflection and gratitude. I think of the countless women who have given their blood, sweat, and tears to ensure I have the rights and opportunities I enjoy today. Their sacrifices paved the way for the freedoms and possibilities I now have,” Khosi explains.

“However, it’s also a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done. Professionally, Women’s Day also reminds me of the ongoing challenges women face in the workplace. It’s a call to action for me and others to continue advocating for gender equality, supporting each other, and pushing for systemic changes that will benefit future generations. We now carry the mantle, and it’s our responsibility to keep moving forward, ensuring that progress doesn’t stall.”