UBUNTU WOMEN
Tintswalo Mabaso
Meet Tintswalo Mabaso (or MelB as she is affectionately known), born and raised in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, and now the appointed manager at Nourish Eco Village.

Who is the most inspiring person in your life and why?
I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. I would have to say that the person who has most greatly inspired me has been my mother. She always had a smile on her face no matter how hard she worked, and she loves everyone. she is well respected and always gave more than she received. She faced a lot of adversity in her life and had to raise three children as a mother, she would work extremely hard to provide for us, but I rarely heard her complain about her fate. My mother has taught me that hard times can be overcome and that losing battles can be won. She taught me more than I could have learnt from any book. she sets an inspirational example to me, teaching me how to live life and make wise choices even in the uncertain situation. I respect her alot. She even taught me to work hard at whatever I do. At the end of the day, I will take pride in the work I do knowing that I’ve done my best. This is what I learnt from my mother.
Is it hard to be a manager as a young women in Africa and to lead men...if so why? And how do you handle it?
Yes, it is hard I can say (smile). As a woman I’ve grown up knowing that a women can’t lead a man because in Africa a man is the head of the house. He is the one who should wake up in the morning and go to work not a woman. That is the old beliefs. But as I grow up, I realise that those old women where lazy to work for themselves. I can say I’m a good manager to my staff including men also. Yes, it is difficult, but I know how to handle men. As a woman to lead a man you have to push through Internally and externally. I had to pick up my confidence as a woman and make men understand that I’ve got this! Firstly, to lead a man you need to respect his ideas also. It’s not bad to try their ideas out before you do own ideas as women. When problem comes, I deal with them as a wise woman. Respect is the first thing then apply my skills with confidence.
What was your biggest challenge in life and how did you handle it?
The biggest challenge of my life was that my academic career was a disappointment. Life is an uncertain roller. It just moves forward. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a chartered accountant (smile) it was my dream, but life had its own plans. I had to adapt to a new career which it was not easy. I changed my mindset to see things in a different way. That’s how I gained back my confidence in everything that I dream of I had to adapt in a new role and get a new dream.
What's your favourite way to chill and relax and top up your batteries after a long day at work?
Ohh (smile) Going back home to see my favourite lovely family (husband and son). Even when I had a long day seeing them makes me happy. I would go to my room take a long bath and after that pick up a book and read… it’s good for me to take a rest from social media and phone. Then I’ll cook dinner for my family .
What advice do you have for other women?
“if you are working ok something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed.”
What is your favourite part of your job at the Eco village?
My favourite part of working at Nourish eco village is dealing with the community (kids, youth, elders) and working with Guests is also my favourite. Working with guests and tourism made me gain confidence in myself. It made me realize that as a women I can conquer all.
Do you have a favourite saying or quote that motivates you.. and what is it?
“Don’t stop until you’re proud “

