In the sixth Episode of Board Talk Season 1, powered by JCI Sandton, we are getting to know Thelma Madzikanda. She is the 2025 JCI Sandton Secretary-General and someone with top-tier communication skills. Get to know the light side of this amazing professional and her 2025 vision for the organisation:
Sibusiso Nkosi: If you could have dinner with one leader in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Thelma Madzikanda: I would love to have dinner with Strive Masiyiwa. He is a Zimbabwean born business leader who has managed to become very influential in the business world globally. Key lesson I would like to learn is how to build an influential network. Strive is a visionary leader and has impeccable timing in his business ventures, he always strikes at the right time. He has managed to remain relevant in the tech industry from the time of the brick Nokia handsets to now where he has built the first AI factory in Africa.
He has achieved all this and still remains one of the most humble and relatable human beings. Despite being connected in influential circles like The Obamas, Aliko Dangote, Bill Gates, Jensen Huang etc , he is still very philanthropic, gives back to his original home country community and remains a dedicated family man.
Sibusiso Nkosi: If you were a “leadership superhero”, what powers would you have and why?
Thelma Madzikanda: I want to have the power of being omnipresent, this way I can be in multiple places at the same time and solve a lot of problems simultaneously. It would give me an aerial view of everything so I can make well informed decisions. That’s my dream superpower.
Sibusiso Nkosi: Which board member would you like to trade places with, and why (light hearted)?
Thelma Madzikanda: I would trade with the Local President, Noel Moyo, because I am passionate about making a difference when you enter a place, and what better way to set and influence my vision than from the top down. And I am glad the trade will be for a day because I don’t take for granted that the role comes with a lot of pressure and responsibility.
Sibusiso Nkosi: Out of the entire board, who is the best dresser and why?
Thelma Madzikanda: EVP Precious Maputle. I absolutely adore her taste in clothes. She is very timeless, classic and bougie. She has good taste. I also wouldn’t mind borrowing a few of her gorgeous handbag pieces and shoes. It’s impressive how she rocks and can pull off the natural hairstyles.
Sibusiso Nkosi: If you could live in another place for a year outside South Africa, where would it be and why?
Thelma Madzikanda: USA. I want to explore and see if it truly lives up to its reputation and hype. And I admire the sense of patriotism that Americans have. When you meet Americans in real life there is a sense of self-assuredness, which is quite a rare trait to encounter nowadays. This indicates that their environment instills it in them. It is the Americans I have met that created this spark and interest to visit their place of origin.
Sibusiso Nkosi: Lastly, what are you looking to achieve in your tenure as a 2025 JCI Sandton Board member?
Thelma Madzikanda: I really hope by the end of 2025, there will be a noticeable difference in how the organisation communicates with its stakeholders. That was why I took on the Secretary-General role initially because I have excellent communication skills. I am also aiming to improve efficiency in some of the processes.
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