Leading with Purpose - Simthandile Myemane’s Commitment to Empowering Others

For Simthandile Kholelwa Myemane, success has never been measured by titles alone, but by the lives she has impacted along the way.

As Practitioner Support Manager at the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF), her work centres on supporting legal practitioners, educating the public and helping safeguard the integrity of the legal profession. Over the past 14 years, she has remained committed to one purpose: empowering others. Whether she is mentoring colleagues, training professionals or engaging with communities, Simthandile believes meaningful leadership is about leaving people better than you found them.

Career journey

Interestingly, Simthandile never set out to build a career in the legal sector. With a background in accountancy, she believes life has a way of leading people exactly where they need to be. From tutoring university students during her final year of study to holding senior management positions across several organisations, every role has contributed to the leader she is today. Yet through every stage of her career, one thing has remained constant: her passion for helping people grow.

“The most rewarding moment in my career is empowering others,” she says. “I thrive in knowing that I have added value in someone’s life, and this I do with passion.”

Women’s Month reflection

This Women’s Month, Ms Myemane reflects on the strength, and influence women have in shaping society. “Women’s Month is recognition of women as powerful beings that the world cannot function without,” she says. “It reminds us of the important role women continue to play in every sphere of society.”

Her greatest inspiration came from her late paternal grandmother, whose values of integrity, discipline and excellence continue to shape the way she leads today. Although she was not formally educated, she instilled in Simthandile the importance of honesty, respect and always striving for excellence. “She taught me to give my all in everything I do. If I cannot do it fully, I would rather not do it at all,” she says.

Leadership and advice

Simthandile believes women have made significant strides in leadership and continue to prove their ability to drive meaningful change. However, she hopes to see continued progress in breaking down stereotypes and ensuring women are recognised for the value they bring.

Looking ahead, she hopes to continue supporting the LPFF’s mission by proactively managing risk, protecting trust funds and strengthening confidence in the legal profession.

Her advice to young women is both practical and timeless: remain determined, stay true to your values, and remember that character matters just as much as qualifications. “A good CV can land you a very good job, but it will not keep you in a job. Attitude, not aptitude, will determine your altitude.”

As she continues to empower others through her work, Simthandile hopes to inspire women to embrace who they are, believe in their abilities and lead with purpose. “As women, we are complete. We should embrace who we are and not wish to be anybody else.”