GERMINAH NYIKANA

is the HR Executive for Click Group

Please tell us about your career background.

When my plans to study electrical engineering did not materialise, I switched to humanities. I got my BA in Humanities because I couldn’t decide between psychology and technology. I pursued an Honours degree in Information Science because the concept of receiving and imparting knowledge, as well as understanding how people learn, has always stirred up my interest. To better understand how to improve people’s knowledge, I earned a Bachelor of Philosophy with a major in Information Management. I also hold a Master’s degree in coaching management.

Please share your journey to become HR Exec for Clicks Group?

I have 20 years of experience in human resources, learning and development, talent management, and transformation from several top JSE-listed retail companies, and now an HR executive for Clicks Group. I began my retail career with The Foschini Group in 1999. In 2007, I joined the Clicks Group as Group HR Manager, where I was in charge of learning and transformation. In 2018, I was the Head of Learning at HomeChoice, and in 2020, I joined the Shoprite Group as the Head of Retail Studies, and later Talent Solutions. On July 1, 2022, I re-joined Clicks as Human Resources Executive.

What are your on transformation?

We have to talk about it, understanding what it is exactly we’re talking about and the elements around it. It does not just fall into place it is a work in progress because of systemic issues so we have to constantly look at how we reflect the environment and society that we work in. personally, I go about each day keeping in mind that there are a number of young people watching me as an epitome of hope and possibility. I don’t take that lightly because they see themselves in the senior leadership of the organisation. I understand that there are people who came before me. Our CEO also mentored me when I was young it and that’s where I learned that I should also find people to take to the top with me as I get those opportunities this why I coach young people. I partner with them the way I was also robed in to pave the way for future generations. Transforming the organisation to prove that with a diverse leadership you can still be profitable. Transformation is a responsibility for each of us as leaders.

What is your leadership style?

When I coach young people I want them to leave knowing I saw them. A lot of people go unseen be in corporate or in their day to day life. My academic coaching background influenced my approach to leadership. There’s a touch of playfulness and seriousness in the delivery. Sometimes I’m at the back and some days I’m in the front. I always tell my team “I’ve got you”.

What drives you?

I’m driven by the development agenda, my optimism and believe in young people. I see them, pour into them and show them what it is supposed to look like. I am grounded in faith. I believe in the higher power. I am one of those 5 am club members, except im not reading a book I’m on my knees praying.

What advice would you give someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

Show up authentically, show up as you are and we’ll help you with what the possibilities are.