As part of our Women's Month celebration, we had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Yondela Ndema, the esteemed author of Sexual Harassment in South Africa: A Critical Analysis of Vicarious Liability of an Employer . Dr. Yondela Ndema is a trailblaser in ethics and compliance with an impressive academic and professional background. Currently the Executive for Group Ethics & Compliance at Barloworld, Dr. Ndema has held significant roles, including Vice President of Group Compliance and Ethics for a major South African multinational oil company. Her expertise makes her a sought-after speaker at ethics and compliance conferences across the country. Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of a woman who's not only leading the way but also empowering others to follow.  

Juta: Tell us more about yourself, what you do and how you got there.

YN: I am originally from the Eastern Cape, and I am passionate about education and I enjoy travelling. I started formal schooling at the age of four and completed my matric at 15. 

I am currently the Executive for Group Ethics & Compliance on behalf of Barloworld, and prior to this I was the Vice President, spearheading Group Compliance and Ethics governance and assurance for a listed SA multinational oil company. I am also the Vice Chairperson and a Ministerial Appointee: University Council at the University of Johannesburg.

I have built my reputation as a compliance and ethics expert and I am frequently invited as a speaker and panel member at compliance and ethics conferences in South Africa.  I am also a member of the International Women’s Forum, Compliance Institute of South Africa and Ethics Institute of South Africa; and a volunteer at Africa End Sexual Harassment Initiative (AESHI). Over the past 20 years, I have also held various positions in public and private sectors. 

In addition, in 2018 I was seconded as a “Visiting Attorney” at Shearman & Sterling’s Litigation practice in Washington, D.C. and in New York before I proceeded to Boston to complete the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.   

I am an admitted Advocate who is currently in possession of B.Proc (University of Natal), LLB (University of Natal), LLM (UCT) and PhD (UCT) degrees. I am enthusiastic about law, ethics, compliance, human rights and governance. 

Furthermore, I hold seven post-graduate certificates in Money Laundering (RAU); Advanced Corporate Law and Securities Law (UNISA); Compliance Management (UCT); Legal Writing (Wits); International Leadership Development Programme (Gordon Institute of Business Science); Supply Chain Management (Smeal College of Business: Pennsylvania) and Leading Women (GIBS).

Juta: What were the challenges you faced as a woman in the industry? 

YN: Some of the challenges I faced include being marginalized and bullied, having to fight for my rightful place at the table, and for my voice to be heard.

Juta: What inspired you to keep pushing despite the challenges face? 

YN: My beloved late parents offered me a solid foundation of unconditional love and support. They believed in me and instilled the importance of education and striving for excellence. What inspired me to keep pushing despite the challenges faced was my commitment to making a difference and my own mark.

Juta: Do you have any encouraging words for the young women in the industry? 

YN: Stay true to yourself and your personal journey even when your dreams are shunned upon. If you fall, dust yourself off, learn the lessons and keep soldiering on. Whatever life throws at you, do not be used in the same sentence as mediocrity but always show up and put your best foot forward.

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Shop Dr Yondela Ndema's Sexual Harassment in South Africa: A Critical Analysis of Vicarious Liability of an Employer and other essential titles on women's rights and justice in South Africa here: https://bit.ly/4ceqp5f