THANDEKA NGCOBO REJOINS DSD AS CHIEF DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

By Precious Mupenzi

• Thandeka Ngcobo, Chief Director of Finance at the Department of Social Development (DSD), has been a driving force in public finance, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence throughout her career.
• With a background in finance that spans several government departments, including Justice and Constitutional Development, and Home Affairs, Ms. Ngcobo has led significant improvements in financial management, earning a clean audit for the Department of Home Affairs.
• As South Africa marks 30 years of democracy, Ms. Ngcobo remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of women leaders in finance, emphasising skill development, resilience, and the importance of internal controls.

As Women’s Month draws to a close, we celebrate the achievements of Thandeka Ngcobo, a distinguished leader in the public finance sector. Currently serving as Chief Director of Finance at the Department of Social Development (DSD), Ms. Ngcobo’s career has been marked by passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Ms. Ngcobo began her journey with the DSD in 2006 as a Deputy Director, where she realised her ambition to grow within the public service. “In that role, I had the privilege of working alongside Chief Directors, the CFO, DDGs, and even the DG. It was then that I knew I needed to keep learning if I wanted to climb the corporate ladder,” she recalls. Her passion for finance was ignited during her time at the then Department of Land Affairs, but it was truly nurtured when she joined Social Development.

After five years at the DSD, Ms. Ngcobo sought new challenges, moving to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development as a Director in 2010. By 2015, she advanced to Chief Director of Supply Chain and Asset Management at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Over the next nine years, Ms. Ngcobo played a pivotal role in steering the DHA towards financial success, overseeing significant improvements in audit outcomes. “When I joined, the department had numerous audit findings on supply chain management, accruals, payables, and contract management. By the 2021/2022 audit cycle, we achieved a clean audit in SCM—a major accomplishment for a department with contracts worth millions,” she proudly states.

Returning to the DSD in a more senior role, Ms. Ngcobo’s focus now extends beyond Supply Chain and Asset Management, encompassing broader financial management. “This position represents growth for me as it involves more areas of financial management, which means further development in my career,” she explains.

Reflecting on her journey as a woman in finance, Ms. Ngcobo acknowledges the sector’s ongoing challenges, including internal control issues, resource limitations, and inadequately skilled staff. Despite these hurdles, she believes that women’s multitasking abilities can sometimes lead to perceptions of sufficiency even when resources are limited. “We find ways to succeed despite the odds,” she adds.

Throughout her career, Ms. Ngcobo has emphasised the importance of internal controls and attention to detail. “In finance and supply chain management, trust can never replace robust internal controls. And attention to detail is key, especially when you’re accountable for every submission during audits,” she emphasises.

As South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, Ms. Ngcobo is mindful of the contributions women in finance make towards the country’s progress, particularly in social development. Although she has recently re-joined the DSD, she acknowledges the crucial role her colleagues have played in ensuring that financial processes for various grants run smoothly, supporting the department’s efforts to uplift communities across the nation.

Looking ahead, Ms. Ngcobo is committed to mentoring the next generation of women leaders. “Young women must not be afraid to pursue careers in finance. It’s a demanding field, requiring sacrifice and dedication, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” she advises. She also stresses the need for women already in leadership roles to create an enabling environment for others to learn and grow.

Ms. Ngcobo encourages young women to confidently step into leadership roles within the finance sector, highlighting the importance of skill development, dedication, and resilience. She acknowledges that the journey to the top can be demanding, often requiring long hours and personal sacrifices, but emphasises the critical need for attention to detail and staying up-to-date with evolving financial regulations and standards. “Success does not come easily, but with commitment and a keen eye for detail, young women can excel in any field. It is about embracing the challenges and continually learning to keep pace with the ever-changing financial landscape,” she says.

Balancing the demands of leadership with personal life is no easy feat, but Ms. Ngcobo offers practical advice: “Stay active, maintain a healthy diet, and don’t be afraid to take time off to rest. It’s important to look after your mental and physical well-being.”

As we conclude Women’s Month, Ms. Ngcobo urges society to continue supporting and uplifting women. “We must mentor and coach aspiring women leaders, and create spaces where they can learn and thrive. And as a society, we need to take a stand against gender-based violence by reporting it to the authorities instead of merely sharing it on social media,” she asserts.

As she continues to make her mark at the Department of Social Development, her vision for the future remains clear: empowering women, fostering growth, and ensuring that finance plays a pivotal role in the social and economic advancement of South Africa.