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What happens when Joburg Market leaders step outside the familiar and experience a different economic and cultural environment? They return with more than memories – they bring new perspectives on leadership, growth and possibility. For Joburg Market, investing in its people means creating opportunities for employees to gain knowledge, challenge their thinking and bring fresh perspectives back into the organisation.
This commitment was reflected in the recent participation of Tshegofatso Maakwe, Acting Senior Manager: Marketing and Communications, and Siyabonga Lukhele, Assets Manager, in the GIBS/W&RSETA International Leadership Development Programme, which included an international immersion in Mauritius.
The immersion exposed the leaders to different approaches to leadership, development and economic growth, while providing an opportunity to reflect on how these lessons could benefit their organisation and the people it serves.
For Maakwe, the experience reinforced the importance of broadening her leadership perspective and looking beyond the immediate organisational environment.


“My biggest takeaway from the International Leadership Development Programme was the importance of broadening my leadership perspective to gain international opportunities to use at Joburg Market."
For Lukhele, the immersion highlighted that growth is not always about having more resources but about using what is already available more effectively.
“The Mauritius immersion reinforced for me that growth is not simply about having more resources but about making the most of what you have."
He reflected on Mauritius' journey from an economy historically reliant on sugar cane to one of Africa's leading economies and investment destinations, highlighting the importance of long-term thinking, collaboration between government and business, and investment in people and education.
For Joburg Market, these experiences demonstrate the value of developing its people. The real benefit lies in returning with new ideas, insights and approaches that can be translated into meaningful action.
As Maakwe and Lukhele bring their experiences home, the focus now shifts to turning these lessons into ideas, conversations and action that can help build a stronger Joburg Market.
Written by Sithobekile Masola
14/08/2026
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