Driven by a desire to empower others to be effective communicators, Kefilwe Morobane, an alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the University of Pretoria (UP), founded Giving Wings with her sister. Giving Wings is a leadership, entrepreneurship and organisational development consulting firm.

Morobane, who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Giving Wings, holds a master’s degree in communication management from UP. She credits UP for her business growth, noting that her master’s played an imperative role in her business growth and success.

“UP prepared me for the world. Navigating the pressures of building a business whilst pursuing my master's degree helped me to build my resilience. The master's degree is a powerful tool in our business that feeds directly into how we show up, serve clients, and articulate our value proposition,” she says.

With a deep passion for human and organisational development, she empowers growth through transformative leadership programs and strategic communication. Her wish is to continue cultivating leaders who will make a meaningful contribution to society.

 Q: Briefly summarise your studies (including the qualifications you obtained) and your professional career, with special mention of specific highlights/milestones.

A: My highest qualification is an MPhil in Communication Management. I also hold a BCom Honours in Communication Management degree – both from the University of Pretoria. Professionally, I am CEO of Giving Wings, which is a strategic consulting firm dedicated to leadership, entrepreneurship, and organisational development. I am also a keynote speaker, leadership consultant, executive and business coach.

One of my highlights in my journey has been fostering leadership excellence that has led to significant impact across diverse industries, helping individuals and organisations navigate challenges, capitalise on opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. Another highlight has been working with JSE-listed companies and spearheading projects, propelling individuals and businesses to become innovative in their approach to creating progressive, thriving environments for their employees and their businesses.

Q: To what extent did your studies at UP benefit you in your career and contribute to your success?

A: Immensely. UP prepared me for the world. Navigating the pressures of building a business whilst pursuing my master's degree helped me to build my resilience. The master's degree is a powerful tool in our business that feeds directly into how we show up, serve clients, and articulate our value proposition.

Q: Why did you choose your particular degree course/major(s) and did it meet your expectations…or, in hindsight, should you have opted for something else?

A: I was inspired to study communication management because of my passion for public speaking and effective communication. During my undergraduate years, I noticed that many students struggled with presentations, which led me to start offering coaching to help them become better communicators. Later, in the corporate world, I observed that professionals also faced challenges in communicating effectively with their teams. This motivated me to pursue a career in communication management and eventually establish Giving Wings with my sister Thato Morobane in 2014. 

Q: As a UP and EMS alumna, what makes you proud to be associated with the UP?

A: The intentionality for excellence and how the University prepares one for the global world of work. 

Q: Given your academic experience at UP, what advice can you pass on to current students?

A: Pursuing an academic journey is never easy. Remember your why. Through the hard times, keep your eyes focused on your why. 

Q: AI (ChatGPT-4/Generative AI/LLM) is expected to have a significant impact on both tertiary education and the workplace. What is your take on the advantages/disadvantages of AI for students, employees/and employers?

A: AI is a powerful tool, but like all tools, its value lies in how we use it. AI can help organise thoughts, simplify complex things and spark new ways of thinking. I do not think it should replace human effort, but extend it and our capacity to do more. My hope is that we use AI to deepen our learning and not bypass it.

Q: Going forward, what are your professional/business/personal goals? What is your ultimate dream job?

A: As an entrepreneur, my goal is to accelerate our business growth, expand our reach and the impact of our business globally. My current job is my dream job.  

Q: Which business/trade-related publications (magazines/newspapers/blogs, etc) do you enjoy reading?

A: I thoroughly enjoy reading books on personal development, business and autobiographies.

Q: What/who really inspires and motivates you personally?

A: I am inspired by possibilities. I firmly believe that nothing is impossible if you believe. Nothing is impossible if you have unwavering faith. I constantly challenge myself to be the best version of myself. I am motivated by my dreams. There is a saying that says, "if your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough". 

Q: If you could have a face-to-face meeting with an inspiring person – in any domain – who sets an example in transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same, who would it be and what would you like to discuss?

A: Paulo Coelho, the author of The Alchemist, because I’d love to dive into what fuels his storytelling and life philosophy. What his sources of inspiration are and how he channels them into words.

Q: Tell us more about yourself, including your likes/dislikes; strengths/weaknesses, business/life philosophy.

A: I love people and helping them recognise and unleash the greatness that lies within them. Whether through conversation, collaboration, or encouragement, I’m energised by the possibility of someone stepping more fully into who they are.

I don't view “weaknesses” as weaknesses, but as areas of improvement and there's so much of the world I do not know about or put my daily life into. This for me means that there’s a lot to be learnt, so there's plenty of areas of improvement that I have the rest of my life to learn more about.

My life and business philosophy is based on boldness, bravery, and intentionality. These anchor how I navigate through life. I believe in showing up as my best self, doing the work with clarity and care, and creating space for others to do the same.

Q: How do you handle stress/failure?

A: I take time out for myself and spend time with family and friends. Also, exercise does wonders for me during stressful times. 

Q: If you could make a contribution towards solving one/some of our societal problems, what would you like to tackle and why?

A: Leadership. My contribution (which I am currently doing) is to nurture and develop leaders who are intentional, who understand that their influence is to create spaces where others can thrive. Leadership, to me, is about making a positive impact that serves others with clarity.

Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for South Africa and its people?

For South Africans to fully realise that true power lies within us, not in external validation, titles, or systems.