George Herald | Developing people is her passion

Translate to:


News	Classifieds	Directory

Developing people is her passion
06:00 (GMT+2), Thu, 09 August 2012

Roro Makubalo-Ryi, CEO of Ithemba Lobomi.

GEORGE NEWS - Roro Makubalo-Rayi is a live wire woman who carries the community's interests close to her heart.

As CEO of the Thembalethu based community development organisation Ithemba Lobomi, Roro is able to do what she loves - empowering the community by restoring the wellbeing of individuals and families, and helping them make informed decisions about their lives.

Ithemba Lobomi, employing just over 50 people, renders social and health services and also coordinates a network of service providers in surrounding communities.

Roro's background has always leaned towards community work. After receiving a BA Honours in Psychology from the University of the Western Cape, she worked for various non-governmental organisations, including Lifeline's Childline, Nacosa (Networking Aids Community of SA) and Cadre (Centre for Aids Development and Research Evaluation). She has extensive experience in counselling sexually abused and neglected children and the training of counsellors.
'It comes from within'

"My background has taught me how to understand different communities and to find ways to assist them. I really have a passion for developing people, making them realise they can achieve more. People in our local community think their background defines their future, but I want them to know that it comes from within yourself, and it starts with a dream."
Through Ithemba Lobomi she is enabled to spread this philosophy among thousands of people.

Her role model
Roro had a role model in her mom, Nobantu Petronella Makubalo, who was a career woman. She started the Ncapayi Junior Secondary School in Butterworth - where Roro was born and grew up - and was the principal for many years.

"Leading as a woman is a privilege. In the past women were not given the opportunities that we have today. It is challenging, but I don't view leadership from the perspective of a woman. A leader, male or female, basically has the same challenges. I think the difference is that women are too critical of and put too much pressure on themselves. I don't think others look at you and think you are going to fail because you are a woman. It is a perception in our minds. Successful leadership is about knowing your strengths and weaknesses. And you should not be afraid to ask for help - it doesn't mean you are weak.

"God is my core source of motivation and strength. When things don't go well, I turn to Him."

Roro's husband, Pastor Thembinkosi Terro Rayi, her family and friends are also her pillars of support. Although the majority of her rather small family lives in the Eastern Cape, they are very close and regular visits are par for the course.
The couple don't have any children as yet, and even though Roro is not a mother, it is often challenging to balance her work and family time. "There are periods where my work just swallows up my time and it makes me feel guilty. But Thembinkosi and I take time to relax together. We love spending leisure time together at the beach and the Knysna Waterfront."

• Ithemba Lobomi is funded by the US Embassy, the IDT (Independent Development Trust), Social Development Department and the Isisombululo HIV/Aids programme of the UCT (which in turn is funded by Dr Hasso Plattner, owner of Fancourt).

ARTICLE: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST