Introduction
In this week’s edition of Career Chat, we host Wakhile Thando Zwane, a Chartered Marketer, who shares insights on his professional journey. Zwane discusses the significance of achieving the Chartered Marketer designation. He shares his diverse career path across Eswatini, Malaysia, and Uganda. Let us dive in!
Career Chat: Who are some individuals who have inspired you in the past and still inspire you today? If you can, please share how they have inspired your personal or professional growth.
Wakhile Zwane: I am inspired by leaders who are innovative and committed to excellence. Internationally, I admire the late Steve Jobs for his creativity and persistence. Locally, I have grown up following leaders such as MTN Eswatini’s CMO, Meshack Maseko, whose work and professionalism have greatly influenced me. I am also deeply inspired by other remarkable professionals, including Ubombo Sugar CEO Mr. Muzi Siyaya, Central Bank Governor Dr. Phil Mnisi, and the Minister of ICT, Hon. Savanna Maziya. Their dedication and achievements motivate me every day to strive to be a better professional.
As a marketer with a deep passion for strategy, these leaders encourage me to keep pushing forward despite challenges. From them, I have learned the importance of thinking differently, being resilient, and continually focusing on learning and personal growth.
Career Chat: What essential soft skills are necessary to achieve success in your professional field?Wakhile Zwane: In marketing, key soft skills include communication, creativity, problem-solving, resilience, and leadership. Being able to understand people, anticipate their needs, and communicate effectively is critical. Curiosity and the willingness to learn new trends and tools, especially in digital marketing, are also essential.
Career Chat: Given the large number of public relations graduates in our country, is there a pathway for some to transition into marketing and eventually become chartered marketers?
Wakhile Zwane: Yes. Public relations and marketing share many skills, such as communication, branding, and audience understanding. PR graduates can transition into marketing by gaining experience in areas like digital marketing, strategy, and business development. With continuous learning, professional development, and relevant experience, they can pursue Chartered Marketer status.
Career Chat: What challenges do marketers face in Eswatini, and how can they be addressed?
Wakhile Zwane: Marketers in Eswatini face challenges such as limited budgets, low digital adoption in some sectors, and a small market size. To address this, marketers must focus on creativity, leverage digital platforms effectively, build partnerships, and invest in skills development. Educating businesses about the value of marketing and evidence-based strategies can also help grow the profession.
Career Chat: What message would you share to inspire students and professionals who view you as a role model to aim high in their goals?Wakhile Zwane: I always say, aim high, be curious, and never stop learning. Challenges and failures are part of the journey, but they are also lessons. Be innovative, work hard, and stay humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Your dedication and passion will open doors, even in unexpected ways.
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