​​“First at the top of my list is streamlining and driving the strategic vision of the organisation to make Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) an employer of choice,” says Nokwazi Mtshali, JOSHCO’s Executive Manager for Corporate Services. Nokwazi believes a good starting point is to understand the value chain of the organisation and how one unit or department feeds into another, thus bringing about the best results.

“When looking at our vision, I must be able to understand that if JOSHCO is vying for a certain vision, what kind of capacity is required and what the needs analysis within the organisation is to achieve a particular key objectives,” she notes.

Nokwazi is also a strong believer of allowing colleagues the opportunity to own their space and ideas. She is passionate about achieving the vision and mandate of JOSHCO and believes that establishing a fit-for-purpose workforce will do just that.

Her plan is to help accelerate JOSHCO’s response to executing its objectives, which is building social housing units, eradicating the housing backlog and providing adequate housing.

Nokwazi is not completely new to the city. She previously worked in the office of the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlement before joining JOSCHO.

She was operations director, which allowed her to have a decent interface with JOSCHO and the Human Settlement Department.

Before officially taking up office at JOSCHO, Nokwazi was in an acting capacity in the executive manager’s role. This allowed her to see what exists within the organisation and was already at work trying to streamline processes.

“Having been in the city for a while, I understand what the services entails and I understand what kind of ethic and integrity is needed to move the organisation to its next level.

First, my focus includes activating the employees of JOSHCO through training and a decent succession and retention plan to ensure that all business of the day can continue and skills transfer is continuously happening.

Second, once employees are confident and skilled in their work space, this will automatically impact and translate to the rest of the residence within the city,” she notes.

Nokwazi is eager to make a difference at JOSHCO and with her extensive knowledge in the housing space will allow her to bring about great change.

“I was hungry and eager for the position to make a difference in that space. When I applied for the position at JOSCHO the excitement took over and I felt no nerves. I love spaces where I can assist in the development of someone and be able to make a positive impact in other people’s lives.

With these attributes I know I could accomplish and achieve in executive manager role,” she says.

Nokwazi is currently studying for a Master’s Degree in performance monitoring and evaluation. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in management and a Bachelor Degree in media and communication from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

She loves travelling and spending time with her kids. “It’s important to switch off and enjoy time with my kids, it’s our down time. I also love going out and having lunch with friends, specifically a decent kingklip and yummy oysters as a starter while engaging on less critical matters,” she adds.