Meryl Y. Z. Thandeka Mabaso
MBA; BSc (Math); Higher Education Diploma; Project Management
Empangeni
Summary
Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. As an accomplished leader with over 10 years of experience in executive management roles, I have a proven track record of delivering results in complex organizational environments. My strategic vision, coupled with my ability to align operational units to support organizational goals, has consistently led to enhanced efficiency and effectiveness within previous organizations. I hold a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) which has enhanced my abilities to take on business challenges in this ever-changing environment.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Operations Manager in KZN
SmartStart Early Learning
3 2023 - Current
- Project Management; Personnel Management; Financial management & Budgeting; Administration; Programme management.
- Conducte regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Supervise operations staff and keep employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Implemented quality control systems that boosted overall product consistency and reliability.
- Analyzed data trends to identify potential bottlenecks in operations workflow, implementing strategies to mitigate risks accordingly.
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
- Spearheaded process improvements, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
Executive Director
Star For Life (SA & Namibia)
01.2015 - 12.2022
- Overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of the organization
- Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach
- Ensuring the effective and efficient strategic and operational support necessary for the timely implementation of programmes and projects.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Developed and implemented organizational strategies to achieve set goals and objectives and secured long-term success.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Set organizational goals and objectives to guide and direct company focus and achieve mission fulfillment.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
Regional Manager - KZN
TRAC SA
02.2007 - 12.2014
- Project Management; Personnel Management; Financial management & Budgeting; Administration; Programme management.
- Boosted brand growth by devising strategic network and marketing tactics.
- Developed and executed successful business plans that resulted in improved market share and profitability within the region.
Project Trainer
Star for Life
02.2006 - 01.2007
- Train educators and learners to be able to fulfill their dreams and live an AIDS-FREE life, through a series of life skills workshops.
- Optimized resource allocation through strategic planning and prioritizing tasks based on urgency and impact.
- Mitigated risks to project success by proactively identifying potential issues and developing contingency plans as needed.
Project Coordinator
PROTEC (Programmes for Technological Careers)
02.2005 - 02.2006
- Implement projects; Conduct Maths, Science and Technology workshops for learners and educators
- Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows.
- Developed comprehensive project plans, outlining scopes, timelines, deliverables, and milestones.
Project Facilitator (part time)
CRISP (Crime Reduction In Schools Project)
09.2004
- Conduct HIV/AIDS, Gender and Human Rights workshops in schools and community.
Maths Facilitator
MCPT (Maths Centre)
01.2002
- Conduct Maths workshops for FET, Senior phase and ECD (Early Childhood Development)
Maths and Science educator
Ndlabeyilandula High School
01.1997
- Acting Head of Department
Maths and Science educator
Bhekaphambili High School
01.1994
Education
MBA -
MANCOSA
12.2017
Human Resource Management Diploma - undefined
BMT College
Project Management Cert. - undefined
Intec College
A+ Certification and N+ Certification - undefined
I.T. Intellect (International Training Solutions)
HED (Higher Education Diploma) - undefined
Pretoria Technikon
Introduction to Word and Excel levels1 & 2 - undefined
Academy of Learning
B. Sc. - undefined
University Of Zululand
JMB Matriculation - undefined
Inanda Seminary
Skills
Team player and can work as an individual
Human Resources
Financial Management
Crisis Management
Operations Management
Report compilation
Staff Management
Budgeting and financial management
Project Management
Strategic Planning
Leadership Development
Corporate Governance
Coursework
- Writing Effective reports & proposals, Stellenbosch University, 2012
- Introduction to SAMTRAC, NOSA, 2011
- ABET, WRAP Write Read And Progress
- Introduction to Project Management, Execuprime, 2003
- Assessor course, IEB, 2002
- HIV/AIDS/STI and Life skills, DrumAide, 1997
- Workplace discipline and Dismissal, South African Labour Guide
- Apply leadership concepts in a work context, ACMERET Solutions
Professional Development
Through working for the different projects in NGO’s like Star for Life, TRAC SA, Maths Centre, PROTEC and CRISP I have been developed professionally. I have also been involved in projects that demand that I stretch myself beyond my current level thus forcing me to develop myself. I have over 15 years of experience in a senior leadership positions in the NGO sector. I have extensive experience in Integrated Program management in sectors such as Public health, WASH, Education, Food security, Nutrition. In the recent senior positions I was responsible for fundraising, marketing/branding and financial management for the organization. I am very flexible and I do extensive travel including travelling abroad to represent the organization. In 2003 I facilitated on part-time basis the HIV/AIDS workshops for the Department of Education both learners and educators. I have been involved in projects that require that I do a lot of traveling. I have been abroad on business to address financial partners.
Professionalmemberships
SACE (South African Council for Educators), 207991
Skillsattained
- Computer skills
- Report writing skills
- Motivational and Negotiation skills
- Office Management
- Facilitation and presentation skills
- Good Communication and interpersonal skills
- Management of finances
- Analytical and Problem solving
- Innovative, creative
- Strategic and operational management skills
- Project Management: conceptualization, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills
- Demonstrable evidence of the use of technology for planning, communication and project management purposes
- Time Management
- Leadership skills
Parttimeactivities
- I was running a small company which provides training for the youth and the community on the following topics:
- Basic Counseling Skills
- Helping the sexually Abused Children
- HIV/AIDS impact on children
- Helping child-headed households
- Coping with pressure
- Loss Grief and Mourning
- I developed material, send it for approval and then train the trainers who then implement the programme.
- I have also been sub contracted by an NGO in KZN to run workshops for communities and schools on Food and Gardening which is one strategy of alleviating poverty in rural communities. Through this I was able to establish Food and Garden project in schools towards poverty alleviation for OVC’s (Orphans and Vulnerable Children).
Personal Information
- Maiden Name: Msweli
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Code 8
Mailingaddress
P. O. Box 12246, Empangeni, 3880
References
- Mrs Sharon Mbambo, Star for Life, Human Resource Manager, 53 Anglers Rod, Meerensee, 3901, +27 84 252 2827
- Mr Zolile Molemela, Maths Centre - KZN, Former Provincial Manager, +27 61 409 5581 / +27 76 129 2655
- Mrs Sane Mdlalose, SmartStart Early Learning, Chief Growth Officer, +27 81 836 4273
- Ms Debbey Olivier, TRAC SA, Executive Director, +27 21 808 4384, +27 86 683 7383
Timeline
Executive Director
Star For Life (SA & Namibia)
01.2015 - 12.2022
Regional Manager - KZN
TRAC SA
02.2007 - 12.2014
Project Trainer
Star for Life
02.2006 - 01.2007
Project Coordinator
PROTEC (Programmes for Technological Careers)
02.2005 - 02.2006
Project Facilitator (part time)
CRISP (Crime Reduction In Schools Project)
09.2004
Maths Facilitator
MCPT (Maths Centre)
01.2002
Maths and Science educator
Ndlabeyilandula High School
01.1997
Maths and Science educator
Bhekaphambili High School
01.1994
Operations Manager in KZN
SmartStart Early Learning
3 2023 - Current
MBA -
MANCOSA
Human Resource Management Diploma - undefined
BMT College
Project Management Cert. - undefined
Intec College
A+ Certification and N+ Certification - undefined
I.T. Intellect (International Training Solutions)
HED (Higher Education Diploma) - undefined
Pretoria Technikon
Introduction to Word and Excel levels1 & 2 - undefined
Academy of Learning
B. Sc. - undefined
University Of Zululand
JMB Matriculation - undefined
Inanda Seminary