A conversation with Noluvuyo Shwempe, Lead Development Manager at SurTech
Leadership isn’t always about having all the answers. Sometimes it’s about creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged and inspired to become the very best version of themselves.
As part of our Women’s Month celebration, we sat down with Noluvuyo Shwempe, Lead Development Manager at SurTech, to reflect on the experiences that have shaped her leadership journey. From encouraging others to dream bigger to believing in resilience, discipline and hard work, Nolu shares the values that continue to guide both her career and the way she leads her team.
Q: Looking back at the start of your career, what advice would you give your younger self?
Noluvuyo:
“I would advise her to practise advocating for herself. When you learn to advocate for yourself, you know that you’ll always have at least one person doing it.”
Q: Finish this sentence: “The woman I am today is…”
Noluvuyo:
“The woman I am today is working on becoming the type of woman that I would look up to.”
Q: Lead development can be tough. How do you keep your team motivated after a difficult day?
Noluvuyo:
“It is tough, and I don’t think a lot of people appreciate just how tough it is to be in lead development. I have a team full of young people, and they help me tap into my inner child—they keep me young!
I try to create an atmosphere that’s full of laughter because it really helps on the difficult days. We have a saying in my home language: ‘If we don’t laugh, we will cry.’ That’s the environment I try to build, especially when the days are tough.”
Q: What quality do you look for most when hiring someone?
Noluvuyo:
“I don’t think it’s just one quality. I look for people who have big dreams, who are resilient, and who can overcome adversity. I look for someone who demonstrates a strong work ethic because that’s not something you can teach.
Whether it’s in corporate or in life, you need to be willing to work hard, stay disciplined and keep moving forward.”
Q: What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Noluvuyo:
“A true leader takes the losses but gives the wins to her team.”
Q: What did you dream of becoming when you were a little girl? How did life surprise you?
Noluvuyo:
“Growing up, my dreams changed all the time. At different stages I wanted to be a model, a professional dancer, a teacher, a doctor and even earn a PhD in Chemistry.
The funny thing is that life has actually allowed me to experience many of those dreams in one way or another. I’ve modelled, I’ve danced for most of my life, I’ve taught, and even in my current role I still get to teach by training and developing people.
The biggest surprise was that Chemistry—the thing I was most passionate about—actually led me to corporate life. While completing my Master’s degree, I realised I couldn’t see myself spending my life in a laboratory. I wanted to work with people. I found a Lead Development role, moved to Johannesburg, and the rest is history.
Looking back, it’s amazing how life sometimes leads you exactly where you’re meant to be—even if it wasn’t part of the original plan.”
A Surprise Tribute from Her Team
As part of our Women’s Month celebration, Noluvuyo’s team was asked one simple question:
“What makes Nolu an inspiring leader?”
She had no idea these messages had been collected until this moment.
Here’s what they had to say.
Ruben Gouws
“Thank you, Noluvuyo, for your approachable leadership, encouragement and positive attitude. You lead by example and create a supportive environment where people feel valued and motivated to do their best. It’s a pleasure working with you. Thank you for all your guidance and support whenever I need it.”
Lesedi Hlapa
“One of the qualities I admire most about Noluvuyo is the way she leads by example. Her professionalism, dedication and positive attitude inspire the team to do their best every day. She creates an environment where people feel motivated, supported and encouraged to grow. Her leadership has made a positive impact on me, and I genuinely appreciate everything she does for the team.”
Natascha Heyman
“Although Nolu reports to me, I often feel I learn more from you than I can ever teach you. Your intelligence, attention to detail, and genuine passion for helping your team grow inspire me every day.”
Mahlatse Mphahlele
“Today I celebrate an incredible woman who has made such a meaningful impact on my life. From the moment you became my manager, you believed in me and saw potential in me that I didn’t always see in myself. Your encouragement gave me the courage to grow, and I’ll always be grateful. One of the things I love most about you is your joyful spirit and your incredible ability to speak life into people. Thank you for believing in me, for your friendship and for always encouraging me to believe in myself.”
Celebrating Women Who Inspire Others
Women’s Month is about celebrating women who make a lasting impact—not only through what they achieve, but through the way they inspire and uplift those around them.
Noluvuyo’s story reminds us that leadership begins with believing in yourself, dreaming big and embracing every opportunity to grow. More importantly, it reminds us that the greatest leaders are those who help others discover their own potential along the way.
From everyone at SurTech, thank you, Noluvuyo, for your passion, your leadership and the positive impact you continue to make every day.
Happy Women’s Month!
