After nearly 25 years of exceptional service to the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), Nozipho Ndaba, a true community champion, is set to retire at the end of June. Concluding her remarkable career as a Stakeholder Management Officer in Region F, Nozipho’s journey from a cashier at Shoprite to a pivotal role in public service exemplifies resilience and profound professional transformation, as she steps into retirement.
Born on 7 June 1960, Nozipho’s life embodies perseverance, and a deep appreciation for education. Raised in Dube Village, Soweto, by parents who instilled values of discipline, integrity, and strong faith, she navigated early challenges in the retail sector. After three years as a cashier at Checkers and becoming a mother at 22, her parents’ encouragement spurred her to pursue Public Relations.
At 35, she enrolled in Public Relations at the then Vaal Triangle College [now Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in Vanderbijlpark], a demonstration to her enduring commitment to education.
Her journey with the City formally commenced in 1998 with a 10-month internship, a requirement for her diploma. This enriching period, during which she interacted with figures such as Bill Clinton and participated in diverse community projects, profoundly deepened her appreciation for community engagement.
“As a PR student, I was fortunate to have gotten into the CoJ as it gave me exactly what I needed to excel in what I studied,” she reflects. Under the leadership of then Mayors Cllr Amos Masondo and Cllr Parks Tau, her full-time career in the City began, initially involving tours and inspections in the CBD.
By 2000, she opted to serve in the Regions, nurturing close community ties until 2010. Over nearly 25 years, her roles in stakeholder management and media relations cultivated deep bonds with colleagues, community members, and stakeholders, all of whom she cherishes as family.
Beyond her professional commitments, Nozipho embraces a holistic approach to life. She is passionate about healthy living and cooking, drawing inspiration from television and online platforms. Her motivation stems from spiritual reflection and a keen interest in documentaries about unexplored countries.
A former avid swimmer, she now navigates international travel with caution despite her African explorations yet holds a deep desire to discover more of the continent. Describing herself as an introvert who values profound connections, her personal philosophy is anchored in the belief that mutual respect forms the bedrock of all human interactions.
As her retirement draws near, Nozipho reflects with profound gratitude on her tenure, particularly commending the supportive environment provided by the City, notably during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. Cherishing the enduring relationships forged with colleagues, she anticipates the next chapter of her life, enriched by a quarter-century of service and the invaluable lessons gleaned along her inspiring journey.