| Ayanda Junior Ntombela | |
| I consider the future of the business when making decisions | Consistently |
| I have ideas for improving the business or our solutions | Consistently |
| I respectfully question how we do things to make improvements | Occasionally |
| I speak to colleagues to obtain their expertise and perspectives | Often |
| I use my initiative and am not afraid to get involved in solving issues | Often |
| I am a pioneer and encourage others to find new and better ways of working | Consistently |
| I invite people with different views to co-develop solutions to problems | Often |
| I recognise and reward creativity | Consistently |
| I work with others to turn my best ideas into reality | Often |
| I look for ways to use technology to improve the business | Consistently |
Please provide examples of how you have shown vision and the ability to innovate in your career (Approx 100-300 words) | |
| Throughout my career, I have demonstrated vision and innovation by consistently aligning my actions with long-term business strategy and fostering collaborative improvement. At EWSETA, I exercise vision by developing skills intelligence hubs that anticipate national energy trends and translate them into actionable sector plans, ensuring our strategies prepare the workforce for the future energy mix. I also innovate by co-designing qualifications with industry and academia, integrating new technologies such as green hydrogen and LPG transition frameworks into skills development programs. During my tenure at Sasol, I applied forward-thinking to capital portfolio management, where I optimised project pipelines and risk assessments to secure budget targets up to R1 billion. I championed the implementation of a modernised maintenance management system for research facilities, improving compliance and preventing operational delays, an innovation driven by proactive system thinking. I actively pioneer new approaches by respectfully questioning existing processes. For instance, I initiated and developed a pipe inspection plan for Research and innovation facilities after identifying a procedural gap, enhancing safety and system longevity. I also led experimental lab projects, such as conducting corrosion tests for bio-sludge transport, which contributed to a high-profile sustainability project’s approval and potential cost savings. I believe innovation thrives in collaboration. I regularly engage colleagues and external stakeholders to co-develop solutions, whether through industry forums like SANEA and SAPVIA or internal workshops. By inviting diverse perspectives, from plant operators to senior researchers, I transform ideas into executable outcomes, such as optimising blending operations or enhancing data quality in analytical labs. Ultimately, my vision is to continuously bridge technical expertise with strategic foresight, ensuring that every decision not only solves today’s challenges but also positions the organisation for sustainable, future-ready success. |
