Current Edition >> Archives Section >> Gesels by die koffietafel >> 23 Janaury 2007

Phomolo Mokuele

Somebody finding herself shoved into the limelight this year and being put into a critical chair within the development industry of the Free State, is Ms. Phomolo Mokuele, appointed in June 2006 as Chief Executive Officer of the Free State Tourism Authority.
However, this lady has impressed generally with her sharp insight, down to earth approach and dynamic drive.
Having agreed to be interviewed in this colomn Up close & personal and firstly be asked about her roots, she said that she was born in Senekal and has grown up in Qwa Qwa. “That is where I got my ruralness”, she says.
She matriculated at Makabelane High School in Qwa Qwa and then went on to obtain B. Comm. Accounting at the University of the North at Turfloop, Pietersburg.
Her first job was with the Receiver of Revenue at Phuthaditjhaba as tax assessor for small business, dealing especially with emerging farmers, taxi owners, etc. “I'm not a figure person and like more to interact with people and to be involved with the promotion of entrepreneurship. I educated these people in doing their taxes, before after five years I started my own tax consultancy.
“In 1994 I served with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and after the elections joined the then Agri-Eco as General Manager for Entrepreneurship Development. In 1999 I joined the ANC Head Office in Luthuli House, Johannesburg as Financial Manager, a position I held until 2004.
“I resigned to start a entrepreneurship development consultancy in Qwa Qwa, but in October 2005 was picked to serve on the new board of directors of the Free State Tourism Authority (FSTA). In June 2006 I was appointed as the full-time CEO of the FSTA.
My present job has tremendous challenges and hugely exciting developmental potential and while I find it highly fulfilling, I see myself not much as a 'meetings' person, but rather find more satisfaction in helping people to start and develop their own tourism enterprises. I would like to be an agent of change, especially helping disadvantaged and poor persons. To be eventually fully involved in that, is my ultimate dream.”
Family? “I'm a mother of three – a son in business, one daughter at Wits University and my other daughter a guest house entrepreneur in Bloemfontein. I have five sisters and a brother – four of my sisters are also in the hospitality industry as entrepreneurs, while the fifth work in the office of the Gauteng Premier. My brother is a dentist in Qwa Qwa.”
Hobbies? “Reading, especially motivational and entrepreneurial. I have just finished Mystery of Capital by Fernando Do Soto. It is about how barren land can be developed from nothing into something highly beneficial for people, e.g. the original stand of Disneyland in California was transformed from literally nothing into a global enterprise. I like books with a life-changing effect.
Other than that, I am a gym fanatic, doing circuit as well as aerobics. I get up 5 o' clock in the morning and do that every weekday.”
Favourite food? “I am a health nut and is very particular about what I eat and drink. I also happen to suffer from a gluton intolerance and have therefore to avoid wheat in my diet. I prefer salads, tuna, fish and chicken – very little red meat.”
Preferred music? “Classical, especially Mozart. After a stressful day, it helps to cleanse my soul.”
Any concluding remarks? “I also have a passion for all local cultures in the Free State. I think we have a tremendous rich diversity, which should be translated and developed into tourism capital. For instance I am crazy about some of the Basotho traditional wear, especially as found in the outfits by modern emerging designers and am proud to make it part of my regular attire.”