Her love for sport started at a very young age in Lamontville, KwaZulu-Natal where they would get up during the night to watch boxing as it was a sport loved and enjoyed by her father. Fast forward to present day, she is introduced to us as a shrewd businesswoman and change-maker in corporate. Undoubtedly, seemingly out of nowhere, Shauwn Mkhize has made so many colossal, not to mention, inspirational moves that have forced the world to stop and take notice.
MamMkhize, as she is affectionately known, bought the status of Bloemfontein Celtic, becoming only the second female owner of a Premiership club after Mato Madlala, who combines running Durban-based Golden Arrows with being acting Chief Executive of the PSL.
After MamMkhize purchased the status to go into the elite league in South Africa, she made this important move for the rising future of the ladies’ game, she bought the status of Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies and renamed the team Royal AM Ladies.
Thwihli Thwahla become only the third DStv Premiership team behind Mamelodi Sundowns and TS Galaxy to have a women’s team.
With the aforementioned boss moves, it was only fitting that Lonwabo Nkohla has a sit down with this cultural icon to get to know her a little better and understand what inspired her to become the game changer that she is in South African Football.
Take us back to where you were born and life growing up, was sport a part of your upbringing?
I was born in Embumbulu in KwaZulu-Natal and raised in Lamontville. Sport was very much a part of my family. My father loved boxing, we used to get up during the night and watch boxing games on TV.
What inspired you to venture into this undeniably male dominated space, football?
I’m very passionate about women and felt that women’s football was not getting the recognition it deserved. I want to bring in change to highlight women in sport and help assist the industry to get to the same level as the men’s industry.
What impact are you hoping to have in South African football, particularly coming in as a female “big wig”?
I want women in football to be empowered and know their worth. We work just as hard as men, therefore we need to start seeing changes in the pay gap, opportunities and sponsorships. Whilst we have a long way to go we need to start attracting more sponsors and turn this industry (women’s league) into a sustainable business model.
As with every industry unfortunately, do you find that as a woman in general, let alone a woman chairperson, you have to work a little harder to prove yourself and your capabilities?
Yes, every single day I have to prove myself. We as women need to change the status quo, we need to stand up and occupy spaces and positions that will assist us in our fight for gender equality.
A dreamer and go-getter would very accurate ways to describe MamKhize, so we’re sure we speak for the reader as well when we say that we would be interested to learn what the big dream and goal is for you.
I want to tap into the global market. Not only do I want to inspire South Africans but I want to make strides globally as well, be it in the sport, business, construction or leadership industries.
With all you are involved in and with, including being a chairperson of a top finishing club last season, what does a day in your life look like?
A day in my life…Anything is possible. You must stay ready for any challenges and obstacles that may come your way. You have to be flexible but also very grounded in who you are and what you want to achieve.
We would be remiss to not ask such a seemingly inspired person what it is that inspires them. Where do you draw your drive?
I’m inspired by obstacles and challenges. When people say no I say yes. When people say it’s impossible I’m the type of person that says let’s make it possible.
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