Julia Matabane is the general manager responsible for finance at the listed company Wesizwe Platinum. Her icon is her late mother, whom she remembers as the strongest and most giving person she has ever known. Her mother’s resilience and generosity continue to be a source of inspiration in Julia’s life. An ordained pastor, Julia’s favourite book is the Bible, which she turns to for wisdom and guidance. A passage that particularly resonates with her at the moment is Zechariah 4:6-7, reminding her to trust in the Spirit rather than her own strength to navigate challenges and achieve success.

An accomplished finance professional with over 15 years of experience, Julia is known for her expertise in financial management, reporting, and strategic oversight across a variety of industries. In her current role at Wesizwe, which she took on in July 2024, she oversees critical financial operations for the company, ensuring compliance, financial accuracy, and providing strategic guidance to support the company’s overall objectives. Her work at Wesizwe reflects her deep understanding of both the financial and operational aspects of the mining industry, with a hybrid working arrangement that allows her to effectively manage both on-site and remote operations.

‘I am currently living in the highlight of my career as GM: Finance at Wesizwe. This role represents uncharted territory for me, as it leans more towards operational finance, offering me a unique opportunity to broaden my expertise in an entirely new direction. The exposure I am gaining here is invaluable, not just in terms of career growth but also in shaping me as a leader. Every day presents new challenges that stretch my abilities and push me out of my comfort zone, but I am loving every moment of it. The growth trajectory is exciting, and I feel I am on the right path to achieving even greater things,’ Julia says.

Blessed with a positive mindset

‘As I reflect on my journey, it’s hard to pinpoint any lowlight. I had to think long and hard to identify one but couldn’t find anything specific, which I attribute to being blessed with a positive mindset and a teachable spirit. I truly believe that every challenge is a lesson, and every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. This perspective has allowed me to embrace all the highs and lows of my career, making each experience valuable in its own right,’ she adds.

Before joining Wesizwe, Julia spent nearly six years as a finance senior at Royal Bafokeng Platinum, where she managed and oversaw the financial accounting and reporting for the Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine Joint Venture. Her responsibilities included preparing financial statements, managing regulatory compliance, and ensuring the accuracy of financial data across the joint venture. Her time at Royal Bafokeng was instrumental in solidifying her reputation as a leader in the mining finance sector.

Prior to her work in mining, Julia held several significant finance roles in other industries. From August 2017 to October 2018, she served as Group Financial Manager at TBWA South Africa, based in Sandton, where she was responsible for the financial management of the group’s advertising and creative services. In this role, Julia streamlined financial reporting processes and provided valuable insights into the financial performance of the group.

Career journey

From August 2016 to July 2017, Julia held the position of Financial Manager: Corporate Accounting Services at Aveng, where she was responsible for managing corporate-level financial reporting, analysis, and cash flow management. She also played a key role in the preparation of financial reports for the board of directors and provided operating group support in terms of financial strategy and analysis. Before this, she served as the Financial Manager: Management Accounting at Aveng from July 2015 to July 2016, where she led efforts in management reporting, financial analysis, and consolidation reviews, further developing her skills in complex financial environments.

Julia’s career began at The Coca-Cola Company. She worked from November 2009 to August 2010 as the Tax and Compliance Manager, focusing on financial reporting, tax compliance, and risk management for the company’s South African operations. Her work included preparing consolidated financial statements, conducting tax computations, and liaising with both external auditors and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on regulatory matters.

Other experiences include a role as Financial Manager at Sentinel Steel Service Centre (September 2010 to July 2014), where she handled the financial accounting and management of five group companies, and as a Financial Analyst at Aveng (August 2014 to June 2015). At Sentinel, Julia was responsible for cash flow management, stock control, and overseeing the financial health of the company’s operations. Her work here involved a broad range of responsibilities, from preparing financial statements to managing payroll and tax compliance, demonstrating her versatility across multiple financial disciplines.

Build your brand early

‘From my professional experience, my advice to others is to start building your brand early in life,’ Julia counsels. ‘It’s essential to find your purpose and start working towards it as soon as possible. A big part of that is making and keeping the right connections—whether it’s colleagues, bosses, customers, suppliers, or friends, these relationships will be crucial in shaping your path. It’s also important to continuously develop your brand, ensuring that you are consistent in your studies, work ethic, and the image you present to the world. Purpose, paired with strong connections, forms a solid foundation for success.’

Julia states that she has no regrets: ‘There’s no point in crying over spilt milk because setbacks, detours, miscalculations, and missed opportunities are part of life. They are there to teach us, both in the moment and when we look back in hindsight. Life is a journey of progression and evolution, and while the path isn’t always clear, it’s through these experiences that we grow. Each step, whether right or wrong, helps shape who we become.’

One of Julia’s recent leadership lessons came from a colleague who shared the saying, “Mealies don’t grow where farmers do not go,” a phrase that deeply resonates with her leadership philosophy. For Julia, leadership is fundamentally about servanthood. She believes that in order to lead effectively, you must be closely connected to both the people and the processes you are guiding. Understanding the challenges faced by the team is crucial for resolving issues, and at the same time, being attuned to potential opportunities allows her to fully exploit and capitalise on them. Her approach to leadership emphasises being present, engaged, and responsive.

Definition of success

Julia defines success as doing what you were born to do and achieving the goals you have set for yourself. For her, true success is not just about external accomplishments, but also about aligning one’s purpose with the work they do and reaching personal milestones that reflect that purpose. By setting clear goals and pursuing them with determination, she believes anyone can achieve their own version of success.

When it comes to creating a good work plan, she emphasises the importance of having a clear vision of what success looks like from the very beginning. Starting with the end in mind helps to guide the entire process. She also stresses the value of setting milestones and timelines to track progress, ensuring that each step leads closer to the ultimate goal. For Julia, a well-thought-out plan is key to staying focused and achieving both personal and organisational success.

‘In times of personal or company crises, it’s easy to succumb to fear, but I’ve learned the importance of maintaining a sound mind. The key is to assess the scale of the issue, prioritise the most critical remedial actions, and, importantly, implement those actions without delay. Open communication with all affected parties is essential to keep everyone informed and aligned. Staying calm, focused, and proactive is what helps navigate through crises successfully,’ Julia explains.

One surprising thing about Julia is that, despite her leadership roles and public presence, she identifies as an introvert who is also very loud. While she enjoys quiet moments of reflection and solitude, when it comes to her work and passion, Julia’s energy and enthusiasm are undeniable. Her ability to balance these contrasting traits is what makes her both relatable and inspiring, as she continues to lead with confidence while staying true to her introspective nature.