Durban — Despite having a dream to be an actress overseas, Zanele Khomo has done so well for herself. This is all thanks to her father who denied her an opportunity to go there.
From being a mother to a teenage girl, a wife and a sister, Khomo has done exceptionally well for herself. Khomo, who is currently the chief growth officer and executive director board member, at The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC says she landed in her career by accident – and she is thriving at it.
“My first career choices were to either be an actress (study and live overseas) or be a journalist. My father, a committed pastor of our church, declined the overseas actress career choice, and when I went to the Durban University of Technology to apply for journalism – the course was full. However, on that day, I found students writing an exam for public relations, then I came in, wrote the test, passed with flying colours, then I ended up in public relations,” said Khomo.
Khomo said the path she took ended up becoming the best choice she had ever made in her life, as it opened opportunities which gave her an assurance that she was where she needed to be.
“I have been a PR specialist, a publicist, a marketing specialist and a communications specialist for many amazing organisations, in corporate, public sector, private sector, nationally and internationally. At one stage in life and career I have also consulted,” she added.
Khomo said she had had the greatest life influences as she had amazing teachers and mentors who guided her throughout her life journey.
“My sisters have been and are still my best support. Importantly above all – my parents. My father who is no longer on this earth taught us so much about being true to who we are, being ethical, putting our faith in God and trusting him in all things. Then my mother, my friend, my confidant, the strongest woman I know was a political activist. She was on the front-line of the (anti) apartheid movement, she made history and changes for women in so many ways and she still does to this date,” she said.
Khomo said she was in awe of her mother’s strength and focus, as she still gives her courage and supports her to work harder, be bold, be strong and make a change and difference for women, not only women of colour but women of all races and mostly young girls.
Khomo said one of her future plans involved doing more for the city and province. She said she wanted to play a more active role in the mentorship of young girls and women in the industry and be an amazing role model to her daughter.
“Last, the most important of all, to continue being my daughter’s mom, by teaching her to love, being a good human being and belonging. That’s my plan and vision for the future,” she said.
Daily News