UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
Drum English|16 April 2020
Gloria Serobe has the mamoth task of running the Solidarity Fund set up to help deal with the impact of Covid-19. We get to know the astute businesswoman
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE

THE thought of heading up one of the most important financial aid projects in recent history might make even the most seasoned of businesspeople nervous. But the woman who’s taken on the challenge of running the president’s Solidarity Fund is no stranger to tackling tough tasks.

When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced businesswoman Gloria Serobe will head up the fund he’d created to help South Africans badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, many who know her were relieved.

She’s a savvy businesswoman and a great choice to head up the independent board that decides how the money donated to the Solidarity Fund will be spent, corporate analysts said.

And she proved this when she and her team swung into action, committing R100 million to allow for the urgent purchase of critical medical supplies, including 5 million surgical masks for health workers. “Our key objective is to ensure rapid, nimble and targeted action to cushion the impact of COVID-19 for the most vulnerable members of society,” she told Daily Maverick.

The fund, which is receiving donations from far and wide, including from ordinary South Africans, had more than R500 million within days.

But this isn’t daunting to a woman who’s been on the boards of several global businesses, held several high-powered positions and who co-founded Wiphold, the first investment company in SA owned and run by women.

She’s been dealing with formidable challenges ever since she was a young girl, one of only five in a prestigious boys school in the Eastern Cape.

Her experience at the school helped to form who she is today, she said in the book by Karina Turok, Life and Soul: Portraits of Women who Move South Africa.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DRUM ENGLISHView all
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 mins  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020