BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE– Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo has shared a simple but powerful career lesson, encouraging professionals and young people to surround themselves with people who are smarter than them.
Khumalo shared the advice while reflecting on his career journey during an interview on The Platform: The Boardroom Experience, where he also opened up about his experiences in business, leadership and public service.
Asked about the best piece of career advice he had received, Khumalo said:
“The best piece of career advice is: surround yourself with people that are smarter than you.”
The advice highlights the importance of learning from others, recognising different strengths and creating an environment where personal growth is encouraged.
Khumalo’s own career reflects a journey across different professional spaces. He began his working life as a teacher before joining Coca-Cola Eswatini a laboratory chemist in 1995. He later rose through the ranks, taking on operational leadership roles internationally before returning to Eswatini and eventually entering government.
His career has therefore moved from the classroom to international manufacturing and executive leadership, before transitioning into national public service.
Beyond the formal discussion, the interview also showed a lighter side of the Minister, with the conversation beginning with icebreaker questions that brought out his personality away from his official responsibilities.
The exchange demonstrated how career conversations can go beyond titles and positions, giving audiences practical lessons from people who have navigated different stages of professional life.
Khumalo’s message is particularly relevant to young emaSwati building their careers: growth does not always come from being the smartest person in the room, but from being willing to learn from those around you.
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(Courtesy Pic)
