There are so many ways to exercise influence and power in the art world but one thing is abundantly clear: Women play a leading role. Women continue to make an outstanding contribution to the arts sector in a varied range of roles, and one woman who does this very well is Ms. Onthatile Thato Mpolokeng.
Being a single mom, a businesswoman and pursuing a Master’s studies at the same time can be very challenging. Thriving from closing business deals and Thato’s drive and passion for the arts is what keeps her going. She has chosen her niche and aimed to dominate it, utilising her Media Studies Qualification, Professionalism and creativity to strategically ensure that other woman are inspired to leave their mark in history books.
Thato started her career as a junior public relations officer up to a Senior Manager/Director level working for various companies in the North West and Gauteng province where she gained experience in corporate communication, brand management, sales and marketing. Within the communication and publication relation sector, Miss Mpolokeng had the privilege to deal with both internal and external communication roles.
Having to work twice as hard as men for half the recognition in the male dominated industry ,Thato has worked extensively with recruitment agencies for almost five years prior to moving her focus to the Media Industry; while working as a Recruitment Consultant.
..and i was lucky to have meet this lady.
She had the opportunity to be responsible for the management of sales, and relationships with particular customers. Her various positions gave her the privilege to manage the daily running of the accounts themselves. Her role served to understand the customer’s demands, plan how to meet these demands, and generate sales for the company as a result. This experience provided her with exposure to labor market and challenges of limited and in some cases lack of requisite skills facing new entrants into the work environment which is mainly the youth in South Africa.
Miss Mpolokeng holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the North West University, and according to the North West University Communication department history, she is considered as the first communications department student to be awarded a chance to further her studies by means of an RPL program “Recognition of prior learning program” because of her previous qualifications and years of working experience within the relevant field. The university has also awarded Miss Mpolokeng a bursary to further her Master’s Degree studies.
Her Communication and Public Relations company, Onthatile Industries, is based in the North West province. The company has five segments, namely Business consulting, Event Management, Artist Management & Casting, Arts and Culture. When she realised the need within the province and the fact that it has abuzz with artistic talent whose benefit is of value to other Provinces. Moreover when she observed that In the long run both the artists’ personal growth and stability, and the Provincial arts industries are drained and strained, she started the company which predominantly supports, conceptualises and develops events within the performing arts, implementing unconventional and innovative business development models.
To date this passionate young lady has worked on various assignments as an Independent Consultant to various companies/SMMEs and has also managed to assist more than 20 artists achieve their set goals by working with them through the various programs offered under the company.
Onthatile Industries also pay focus on charity events that are aimed at elevating poverty within the various communities and creating awareness on opportunities available within the Arts and Culture industry.
The sky is the limit for Thato. She is currently serving as a chairperson on two None Profit Organisations based in the North West Province (UNASA and Moroka Mental Wellness Centre). A passion for the arts and thriving from closing business deals is what drives this young lady. Miss Mpolokeng has chosen her niche and aimed to dominate it, utilising her Media Studies Qualification, Professionalism and creativity to strategically ensure that other woman are inspired to leave their mark in history books.
Thato, we salute you!
