As we celebrate Women’s Day – a day of honouring the resilience, brilliance, and leadership of women who refuse to be defined by limitations – we are reminded of the saying, “Behind every successful woman is herself.” PDBY sat down with Relebogile Mashile, a powerhouse Chartered Accountant (SA) and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Accounting at the University of Pretoria. She is also a trailblazer in the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Young Leaders Collective. From dusty rural roads in Mpumalanga to the corridors of academia and global leadership platforms, her story is proof that dreams, when fuelled by grit and purpose, can rewrite destinies.
Roots and Role Models
When asked what it took to rise so high, Mashile smiled with a mix of gratitude and quiet pride. Her story begins in Acornhoek, Bushbuckridge, where her mother, her first and most enduring role model, instilled in her the power of education, the dignity of hard work, and the non-negotiable value of integrity.
Numbers and problem-solving captured her heart early on, and perceptive teachers fanned that spark into a flame. “My journey has been shaped by a combination of grace, determination, discipline, and unwavering support,” she reflects, adding that curiosity and a hunger for learning have been her compass.
A Leader in the Making
By the time she was in high school, her ambitions had a clear shape. In her matric year, she wore two hats, diligent scholar and SRC president, mastering the delicate balance between leadership and academic excellence. The experience sharpened her decision-making skills and taught her about the weight of representing other people’s voices. Her efforts earned her a spot among Mpumalanga’s top ten matriculants, and she stepped into university life with her eyes set firmly on becoming a chartered accountant.
Overcoming the Hurdles
But even the most determined journeys face storms. For Mashile, self-doubt sometimes whispered that she did not belong. Financial constraints threatened to stall her progress, but sponsors who believed in her potential kept her dream alive. The transition from rural schooling to the fast-paced, high-pressure university environment was overwhelming, with a sudden whirlwind of lectures, assessments, and expectations.
And just when she thought she was nearing the finish line, a setback came: having to rewrite her second board exam. Many would have crumbled, but she leaned into resilience, faith, and her support network. “Each challenge taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of a strong support system,” she says.
The Power of Mentorship
Some chapters of her story are written in the ink of gratitude. Her late grandmother and mother remain her lifelong inspirations. She also honours the teachers who went far beyond the call of duty, mentors from her university years, and senior colleagues who lead with both excellence and compassion. For her, mentorship is not a one-way street but a cycle of empowerment, each woman lifting each other higher.
Staying True to Herself
At the core of Mashile’s success is an unshakable commitment to authenticity. “I believe in giving my best at all times, being true to my values, and not shying away from opportunities that challenge my growth,” she says. Stepping outside of her comfort zone has not only built her career, but also her confidence, proving that courage grows in the spaces where comfort ends.
Advice for the Next Generation
To the ambitious 18-year-old ready to take on the world, her advice is clear: define success for yourself, build discipline like a muscle, and develop skills beyond your textbooks, such as leadership and financial literacy. “Seek mentors, ask questions, and be willing to learn from others’ experiences,” she urges. “Your network, if built on trust and respect, will be one of your greatest assets.”
Lessons from Her Twenties
Reflecting on her own twenties, she describes them as a decade of stretching, stumbling, and soaring. She encourages young women to say yes to opportunities that scare them, because that is where growth lives. Protect your mental and physical health, she advises, and never confuse a setback with failure. “Comparison steals joy, and your path is uniquely yours,” she reminds.
A Women’s Day Message
As Women’s Day calls for unity, boldness, and the amplification of women’s voices, Mashile’s message rings clear: “Being women requires us to stand firm,” she says. “It’s about knowing you are enough, that your voice matters, and never underestimating the power of your story. Support other women, celebrate their wins, and create spaces where more voices can be heard. When women stand together, we create change that benefits entire communities and future generations.”
