By: Nosipho Haya-Komisa
For the first time in history, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board has appointed a female Chief Executive Officer.
The 48-year-old Dr Nombuyiselo Makala has vast experience in public service. Makala has served in the Board as the acting CEO and that is where she got an opportunity to expose her leadership skills.
Eastern Cape Liquor Board Communications Manager Mgwebi Msiya said during the time she was the acting CEO, Makala transformed the board and brought sustainability under difficult times of COVID-19 regulations.
“During her stint as the Acting CEO of the board, she has been actively involved in transforming the Eastern Cape Liquor Board to be one of the leading public entities. To adapt to the changing nature of the business since the announcement of the National State of Disaster due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, she has ensured that business continues as usual by bringing in innovative solutions to ensure the Board’s sustainability and strengthen the confidence of members and stakeholders,” he said.
Msiya added that Makala has built good relationships with relevant stakeholders.
“During her tenure as Acting CEO, stakeholder relations were established with different partners and professional institutions with the aim of building stakeholder relations that have substantially benefited the organisation,” said Mgwebi.
Mgwebi further said they believe that Makala is going to work hard in strengthening the liquor Boards’ regulations in the province.
“We are confident that she will contribute enormously towards streamlining and building sustainability, as well as positioning Eastern Cape Liquor Board for the future. We are certain that she will propel the many strategic initiatives that ECLB undertakes, to inspire and unify our stakeholders, partners and employees, to continue the work of strengthening regulations of the liquor industry in the Eastern Cape, so as to meaningfully contribute to the economic development of the Province,” he said.
Makala said she has welcomed her appointment as the CEO and is looking forward to working in the Board.
“Being appointed to the Eastern Cape Liquor Board CEO role is a great privilege for me. I’m profoundly proud of the confidence that the Board has placed on me and look forward to leading the entity with a team of dedicated and capable management and staff,” said Dr Makala.
Makala holds a B.Com Degree, Honours in Public Administration from the University of Fort Hare, Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Nelson Mandela University, and Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Fort Hare.