Dear GEP Family,
As I stand at the threshold of retirement, reflecting on the journey that brought me to this moment; filled with gratitude for the incredible experiences, challenges, and growth that assisted in defining my career and character over the years. It has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) family for 16 years, as I now transition into this new season of life with confidence and expectation. Coming from small beginnings has made me approach everything with positivity, empowered to impact the lives of others particularly that of the less fortunate and vulnerable.
Before joining GEP, I worked at Mafube Publishing, a small enterprise that produced the “Sawubona” Magazine for SAA Flights. Unfortunately, the enterprise liquidated, leading me to new opportunities and experiences.
When I joined the Public Service, it was more than just a career choice for me; it was a calling to serve my country with dedication and integrity. I do not think that I chose corporate governance as a career path, it chose me.
At GEP, I served as the Company Secretary Administrator and my role involved communicating governance practices, monitoring compliance with the Company Secretary and Board of Directors, as well maintaining key corporate documents and records. I always believed that effective communication, governance, and compliance with regulatory standards are essential for success and sustainability. Making good governance the ‘heartbeat’ of any organisation. It has been a privilege to serve the previous boards of directors, executives, and managers in assisting them to execute their roles and responsibilities optimally to accomplish the mandate of the entity. Being part of activating the ‘Heartbeat’ of the organisation has been a phenomenal roll-a-coaster ride, each day unique, and challenging yet fulfilling. I had to navigate the intense pressure and responsibility that Corporate Governance demands.
This journey presented me with a wealth of treasures such as wisdom, inner strength, understanding, knowledge, and discernment, which is where I am today. I received ‘Beauty for Ashes’ through loss and grief over the years. When I lost my son Paul in 2010, my GEP colleagues, acquaintances and leadership were ready to support me, through an exceedingly difficult period in my life. I will miss the strong community support ‘Ubuntu’ culture that I embrace and value with tremendous gratitude. As they say, “When you are in the right place you are Celebrated; when you are out of place, you are only Tolerated, it is an indication to move – the right place awaits you”. Learn to know your worth, do not remain in a place or relationship where you are not loved or appreciated.
To aspiring young women just entering the marketplace and embarking on new career corridors, I would offer the following advice. Firstly, honour authority in all spheres of life, as it will present you with favour and longevity; this is a principle of life. Secondly, be mindful of who you connect with and who you invite into your inner circle of friends, as your company will determine your future. Remember the saying, “Show me your friends, and I will show you your future”. Thirdly, be intentional about how you live your life, and make sound choices, big and small, nothing good happens accidentally. It is wise to listen to those who have gone before you and have learned by experience the right and wrong choices to make through mentorship or coaching. Thirdly, discipline does not seem joyful immediately, but it will produce the peace of right living in due time. Lastly, learn to manage your time, finances, health, mind (thoughts) and relationships wisely. These are essential fundamental skills that will serve you well in both your personal and professional life.
As I look forward to this new season ahead, I envision a time filled with freedom and cherished moments with family, friends and acquaintances. While I may be retiring from my professional career, I am excited about what the future holds and a second chance to indulge in strengthening and developing important relationships that I have neglected over the years due to work commitments that inhibited my family time. I will also devote more time to helping people of all ages and cultures, empowering women, developing youth, and enabling seniors to develop new connections within their communities. Retirement will grant me an opportunity to serve others, to motivate and encourage them; to live a life more purposefully in this erratic world.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all my colleagues, both former and present, who offered me friendship, support, and camaraderie throughout the years. Your presence has made my time at GEP truly memorable. Whether our paths may cross again in the future or approach a cul-de-sac, may we continue to inspire, uplift, support and serve others wherever life may lead us.
As a parting remark, I hope that you will SEIZE THE DAY and make each moment count towards count toward fulfilling your potential. Today is not just another ordinary day, but today could present the most defining moment of our lifetimes in the mundane, it depends on how you choose to spend it. Choose to live a life of purpose – Intentionally.
With warmest regards,
Valencia