ASAVELA PHOHLELI: NTABANKULU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY’S HR PROFESSIONAL & MENTOR

Asavela Phohleli, a dedicated professional in the Corporate Services Directorate at Ntabankulu Local Municipality, is making significant strides in both her professional role and as a mentor. With a deep-rooted passion for human resources and a strong commitment to mentorship, Phohleli’s journey is both inspiring and impactful.

Professional Role at Ntabankulu Local Municipality

Phohleli’s role at Ntabankulu Local Municipality involves various critical functions within the Human Resource Management (HRM) section. Her responsibilities include:

• Recruitment and Selection
• Conditions of Service
• Leave Management
• Time and Attendance
• Job Evaluation (Organizational Development)

Phohleli thrives in environments where she can work closely with people, which is why she is passionate about HR. “I love to assist people; it’s my passion, and I love my job. I am ‘Ndabazabantu’. I always feel good when helping people,” she says, highlighting her intrinsic motivation for her career choice.

Educational Background and Personal Drive

Asavela Phohleli is industrious, professional, and inspirational. She has pursued her education at several prestigious institutions, including Walter Sisulu University, the University of South Africa, the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA), the University of Free State, the University of Johannesburg, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she is currently studying. Her ultimate goal is to make education fashionable in South Africa.

Balancing her academic responsibilities with her professional and mentoring activities is challenging, but Phohleli is dedicated. She prioritizes her commitments, creates a realistic schedule, and sets clear goals. “Truth is, it is challenging, but I am dedicated to my goals,” she

Mentorship Journey and SAYes Involvement

Phohleli’s involvement in mentorship has been equally impactful. She serves as a mentor at SAYes, motivated by the organization’s mission to end social poverty by supporting youth in transition. Her personal growth, professional development, and commitment to Ubuntu have been the most rewarding aspects of her mentorship journey.

I joined SAYes Mentoring because they want to end social poverty by helping individuals, business teams, educational institutions, and community groups do better. I love to change young people’s fixed mindsets to a positive journey by sharing my academic and life journey with them. I always say to young people, ‘There is a light at the end of the tunnel.’

Phohleli plans to help young people by developing trusting relationships, providing emotional support, helping them develop life, social, and communication skills, and assisting them in unleashing their potential. She strives to be a positive role model and set a good example for her mentees.

Impact and Insights from Mentorship

Throughout her mentorship journey, Phohleli has assisted many individuals in achieving their goals, particularly through academic mentorship. She reflects on the transformative power of mentorship, emphasizing its ability to shape lives and careers profoundly.

“Mentorship has opened doors to a wider network of professionals and like-minded individuals. It has helped me grow both personally and professionally,” she notes. Phohleli has gained confidence and self-awareness through feedback from her mentees, recognizing her strengths and continually improving.

In my journey, mentorship has been a light, illuminating the path towards personal and professional growth. It has shown me the profound influence that a mentor can have, not only in terms of knowledge transfer but also in shaping one’s character, confidence, and network.

Phohleli’s story is a testament to the enduring power of mentorship. As she continues her journey, both as a mentor and a mentee, she remains committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow through the transformative relationships built in the mentorship process.