EswatiniBank's Mulela Puts Youth at Centre of Future Plans

EswatiniBank, celebrating six decades of existence, is focusing on preparing its future leaders. Managing Director Nozizwe Mulela's approach involves giving young professionals a voice, responsibility, and a pathway into leadership. This shift, which has faced some resistance, aims to bring younger voices closer to the centre of leadership. Mulela believes institutions must evolve to remain relevant, especially in an industry shaped by technology, data, and innovation.

Mulela's leadership approach emphasizes youth development, with opportunities for younger employees to participate in executive decision-making and contribute to the bank's strategic direction. She acknowledges that bringing younger voices closer to leadership "ruffled a few feathers." However, Mulela sees experience and youth as complementary, with senior employees transferring institutional knowledge and younger professionals bringing fresh perspectives and contemporary skills.

The bank's 60-year history makes preserving institutional memory and organisational culture crucial. Mulela encourages senior management to adopt a two-way learning culture, where experienced employees guide younger colleagues while learning from them. She stresses that young professionals need recognition, support, and opportunities to demonstrate their abilities. Mulela notes that this generation is impatient and requires recognition and valuable opportunities to stay engaged.

The composition of EswatiniBank's executive management reflects Mulela's leadership approach. Three younger professionals in their mid-30s have been recruited to create a balance between experience and emerging expertise. Mulela values the skills younger professionals bring to areas like data utilisation, technology, and innovation, which are increasingly important to the future of banking.

Mulela is committed to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) development, supporting young people in these fields and preparing them for leadership responsibilities. Her objective is to build a pipeline of capable professionals who can carry the institution forward. This approach prioritizes people development alongside technological and business transformation for long-term sustainability.

As EswatiniBank moves into its seventh decade, Mulela's focus on youth development and leadership is crucial. She believes that institutions must be willing to evolve to remain relevant. By giving young professionals a voice and leadership pathway, Mulela aims to ensure the bank's continued success. The bank's future will depend on its ability to adapt to changing generations and technological advancements.

EswatiniBank's approach to leadership and succession planning is deliberate and forward-thinking. Mulela's commitment to youth development and STEM education will likely have a lasting impact on the institution. As the bank looks to the future, its focus on people development and technological transformation will be essential for long-term sustainability and success.

Key points

• EswatiniBank's Managing Director prioritizes youth development and leadership.
• The bank aims to build a pipeline of capable professionals.
• Mulela's approach combines experience with emerging expertise.