Mpho Dube Her childhood dream was to become highly successful and educated. Despite her rural upbringing in Sekhukhune, Ms Glory Koko Khumalo has triumphed above her challenges to become one of the most successful women in the country because she remained focussed. Khumalo, who is currently a partner and director of PricewaterhouseCoopers in charge of the North- Eastern Region (the Polokwane and Nelspruit offices) has been nominated in the Business Woman of the Year competition of the South African Council for Businesswomen. During an exclusive interview with Polokwane Observer, the humble intellect said: "We see our success through the eyes of others. I had a determination since my childhood that I want to be highly educated, independent and successful. I come from a rural area but I told myself that I don’t want to depend on men. I didn’t want to be like most rural women who are at the mercy of their husbands." Khumalo was also quick to emphasise that success never comes easy but hard work and discipline is the key to achieve your goals in life. "Discipline is the key, but you must have self control and remember that the future remains unknown. Guidance from parents, friends and relatives also shape who you are but you must have self control," she said. Khumalo joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1996 and she served in various positions which assisted in sharpening her skills and experience. She started her career as a trainee Accountant at Standard Bank working in financial administration. Her determination enabled her to complete her BCom degree. As a Director she is responsible for Advisory Services and her audit and consulting experience speaks volumes. The evergreen role model to many women in the country is the only female member of PricewaterhouseCoopers Southern Africa’s Executive Committee and responsible for directing strategy. A former Black Management Forum chairperson she has been appointed by Premier Cassel Mathale to advise him about the Limpopo Employment Growth and Development Plan. Despite her hectic schedule nothing stops her from taking care of her husband and two children. Khumalo has served on the Women in PricewaterhouseCoopers Steering Committee, Black Management Forum (BMF) as a Chairperson and Limpopo First Lady Trust and SA Statistics Council Committee. She has received the following awards: Standard Bank of South Africa for best matric results, BMF for commitment and dedication, BMF Manager of the Year Award, Polokwane Chamber of Business Finalist Corporate Manager of the Year and CEO Magazine Finalist for most influential woman in business and government in the finance and auditing sector.
