Mulalo Nemataheni's face was beaming after being awarded the Diversity and Inclusion Award from the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) during an event held at the Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 26 October.
This award recognises financial-planning professionals whose commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence has made a positive impact on various ethnic groups, races and diverse cultures. Mulalo's recognition was based on the financial education she gives to the communities, and for the advancement of the financial-planning process.
"Financial literacy is for those who are willing and ready to walk the financial journey," Mulalo said. "I am honestly happy that I am awarded for the role I play as financial advisor and planner. This shows that my work has an impact on many people."
Mulalo is a certified financial planner by profession and founder and CEO of ImPowerX Advisory Services, an independent consulting and training company in the financial-services sector. "My personal vision is to empower through education and be known for taking financial education to the communities," she said.
The business not only offers financial advice but also intermediary services, helping clients to create the financial future they deserve. "We also host financial literacy workshops within communities, and provide training for regulatory examinations (RE1 and RE5)," she said. "The aim is to empower people, so that they can make informed financial decisions."
Mulalo, who resides at Muraga village in the Thulamela area, has a Bachelor of Commerce - Financial Accounting degree from the University of Cape Town (UCT), a postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from Milpark Education, and is currently completing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) with MANCOSA.
"I have eight years' experience in the financial-services sector, having worked for Nedbank Private Wealth, Nedbank Financial Planning, FNB Private Clients and FNB Business Banking," she said. "I am also a co-author of a forthcoming Africa80's second book, titled 80 Faces, One Voice, which has contributions from 80 global shapers across 15 African countries."
In June this year, Mulalo was announced as one of Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans and featured in the Business & Entrepreneurship category. "I look forward to continuing to write a positive story for the Vhembe District with the good work I do, knowing that I am an inspiration to many people," she said.