SAGEA Board Announcement

Following our recent Board meeting at which we had the opportunity to review and deliberate applicants for the SAGEA Board, we are ready to share exciting news with you!

We would like to introduce our new Board members to you, as follows:

  1. Shalin Ledwaba, Head of Talent Acquisition and Graduate Recruitment/Graduate Development, Bowmans.
  2. Lerato Mathibela, Head of Specialist Programmes at Nedbank.
  3. Serena Padyachee, Head: Capabilities and Transformation, bp Southern Africa.
  4. Travis Stephenson, Group Talent Director at the Mr Price Group.

Joanna Preston, who has served on our Board since 2015, has accepted the nomination to move into the role of Board Chairperson. Thank you, Joanna!

Below, is a brief introduction to each of our awesome ladies.

Shalin Ledwaba

Shalin is the Head of Talent Acquisition at Bowman’s. She is a graduate from Henley Business School and an HR professional with over 14 years of experience in Talent Acquisition. Prior to joining Bowmans, Shalin held positions across a variety of industries, where she successfully led recruitment initiatives on both a national and international scale.

She has a proven ability to develop and implement innovative recruitment strategies, leveraging technology, data-driven insights, and industry best practices to attract and retain high-performing individuals. She believes in the power of building diverse and inclusive teams that drive innovation and foster a culture of excellence. Also known as a “Momager” to the young talent Shalin has brought into the work environment, she is passionate about developing future leaders and creating space for those who will come after her. She truly believes that her career and purpose are aligned and in her free time mentor’s young graduates and colleagues to ensure that “nobody gets left behind”.

Lerato Mathibela

Lerato Mathibela CA(SA), a Thuthuka and UP alumni completed her chartered accountancy articles in the Nedbank CA Training Programme qualifying in 2017.

Lerato always had a keen interest in recruitment and career development and is extremely passionate about young talent.

During her client facing banking career, she gained invaluable well-rounded banking experience in various areas within Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking including Finance, Lending Middle Office and Debt Finance: Infrastructure, Public Sector and TMT where she signed permanent after qualifying as Chartered Accountant. During her time in NCIB Debt Finance: Infrastructure, Public Sector and TMT, she was involved in a number of key strategic banking transactions in Infrastructure, Public Sector and Telecommunications and Media.

In 2019, she was appointed as the Head: Specialist Training Programmes looking after the CA Training Programme as well as the Quants Graduate Programme managing a team of 60 trainees.

In November 2022 she was appointed as the Nedbank Group Young Talent Specialist, providing strategic direction for all Nedbank Young Talent Programmes.

She is driven by her passion for Young Talent and their potential impact in South Africa to make a purpose driven impact.

Serena Padyachee

Serena is a People and Culture Leader with insights in the field of Human Resource Development and Youth Engagement. She has years of experience from a multitude of organisations within the portfolio of Learning, Skills Development, Learning Technology, Organisational development Talent Strategy, Workplace Transformation (B-BBEE, Employment Equity and Diversity Equity & Inclusion), Change Management and Leadership models.

Prior to her current role at bp Southern Africa, Serena managed her own consulting business specialising in youth development and engagement. Serena’s in-depth knowledge of the SETA landscape provides an insight to leverage B-BBEE points and SETA funding for early careers and learning initiatives. Her current role as a People and Culture Leader includes Capabilities, Talent, and Diversity Equity & Inclusion, as well as Transformation.

Travis Stephenson

Travis was born and bred on the sunny shores of Durban, and there’s nowhere else she would rather be.

She lives in Morningside with her 9 year old son Harvey, who keeps her on her toes! Spending time with her family and friends is what keeps her cup full, as well as her love for wildlife and a good book.

She has a BA degree in Communication Science & Business Management through Unisa and Leadership & Coaching certificates through GIBS Business School. After returning from the UK in 2006 where she worked for pharmaceutical company Glaxo Smith Kline and then Clarins UK in Training & Development, she continued her career in Training & Development with Toyota SA where she then progressed to Talent Management, managing the emerging talent pipeline in the business. Travis then moved on to head up the Career Centre at Varsity College on the Durban North & Westville campus mentoring and developing young graduates for the world of work.

Her Favourite quote: “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change” – Brene Brown