Rich in resources

With her positive attitude and commitment to learning, effervescent Sun International HR Officer Fikile Zulu epitomises the qualities her department looks for in recruits. 

The daughter of a domestic worker with a Grade 4 education, she endured many obstacles before achieving her goal of landing a permanent job at the company in 2021.

“I grew up in the East Rand in a backroom environment. My mother didn’t earn much, but she tried to give me the best education she could. I went to Boksburg High School, a former Model C institution, and seeing other kids brag about their parents and lifestyles when I didn’t even have tuck-shop money!” says Fikile. 

Instead of being embittered by the experience and inspired by her mother’s resilience, the “book smart” learner focused on forging her path to success and financial freedom.

Initially set on a career in nursing after matriculating, Fikile had to drop out because she fell pregnant. Nursing’s loss ended up being HR’s gain.

“I spent a year at home after giving birth to my daughter mulling over what to do next. I love working with people and dealing with different energies. HR appealed to me immediately. It all starts and ends with HR in the corporate world,” she explains. 

Fikile began her HR studies on a bursary at the University of Johannesburg in 2019, balancing academics, life as a single mother, and tutoring to make ends meet.

Nearing graduation, she was to have her mettle tested once more in trying to secure a work placement at Sun International during the height of the COVID-19 crisis.

“I had my heart set on a job at Sun International, Discovery or Investec. My mum’s employer helped me make contact, but there were so many frustrating delays in the days of hard lockdown. I journaled every time I emailed someone and noted all my emotions during the process. Eventually, Bianca [Lemessa, Sun International HR Operations Manager] asked me to come in for an interview,” she explains. 

Fikile landed a one-month placement that morphed into a six-month internship (with a welcomed stipend). After graduating and doing endless rounds of filing, the hardworking practitioner received an “overwhelming” permanent offer late in 2021. Fikile was welcomed with open arms by a team she calls her family – who often party together as a team-building exercise!

As an HR officer, she deals with administrative tasks and ongoing projects like the long service awards, including training and induction sessions. Her job also entails having difficult conversations with colleagues, dealing with conflict, and learning the many HR systems and policies. Perhaps due to her struggles, she excels in the holistic side of HR and is only willing to lend an ear to distressed employees, allowing them to vent.

Still, at the beginning of her career, Fikile maintains her forward momentum by keeping her daughter in mind.

“My daughter’s dad left me when I was four months pregnant. She is my everything. I see myself in her. You grow up with your child when you have one at a young age. She pushes me to be myself as she is a diva of sorts! I need to be at my best for her,” says Fikile, listing her mother, her mother’s employer, her manager Bianca Lemessa, and Oprah Winfrey as strong female influences.

It would be a mistake to think that Fikile’s success has come through hard graft alone – her Zulu cultural traditions lend a spiritual support base to her endeavours. 

“I believe in my ancestors and am proud of my Zulu heritage. It played a huge role in getting me to where I am today. My mum insisted on taking us to our homeland in KwaZulu-Natal every December. I only began learning the language in Grade 2. I perform rituals to thank the ancestors for every milestone and held my own ceremony when I got this job,” she explains.

Fikile has walked an arduous road to find a home with the Sun, but she’s by no means alone in a country pockmarked by high unemployment and poverty rates. What lessons does she have for those looking to follow her path?

“When things seem hard, keep your eyes on the end goal. Be yourself in the process. Don’t compare yourself to others or be swayed by their standards. Growth only happens when you persevere and are true to yourself,” said Fikile.