Norma Mngoma, a South African Reminding Women They Can Be Anything They Wish to Be
Norma Mngoma, a South African entrepreneur who is also a force of nature in the realms of fashion, philanthropy, and women’s empowerment.
Norma boasts a background in Information Technology, and she seamlessly transitioned into the fashion industry, founding Suitably Norma—a bespoke clothing brand offering elegant designs tailored for women with refined tastes.
Her passion for empowerment goes beyond fashion; through the Norma Mngoma Foundation, she supports underprivileged children with guidance and bursaries, cementing her as a champion for community development.
In addition to her business and philanthropic efforts, Norma serves as an advisory member of BRICS CCI and director of economic programs in South Africa for Global Unity Women.
Her work bridges cultural divides and fosters economic collaboration, earning her recognition as one of Africa’s leading women entrepreneurs.
In this interview, Norma shares her journey, challenges, and the lessons she’s learned along the way, offering a glimpse into the mind of a woman determined to inspire the next generation of African leaders.
CA: What sparked your passion for creating elegant clothing for women, and how has that passion evolved?
Norma: I have loved fashion from a young age, even though I initially studied Information Technology. My love for fashion was always present.
The rationale behind my clothing brand was to answer the call to industrialize South Africa by creating jobs in the manufacturing sector.
I also wanted to offer South African movers and shakers with a taste for high-end fashion the opportunity to buy locally, given that our textile sector is largely dominated by foreign brands.
CA: What was a pivotal moment that tested your resolve as a female entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Norma: My biggest challenge was working with male employees, especially my tailors, who come from different countries.
Cultural differences often led to clashes, and as a Zulu woman, I faced additional struggles separating culture from the professional space.
It was difficult for some to take instructions from a woman. For example, Malawian tailors, though excellent with finishes, struggled to accept directives because their culture teaches that women should not give orders.
I overcame this by sitting the team down and emphasizing mutual respect. I told them I respect them as men, human beings, and employees, but as the boss, I expect my company to run according to my rules.
I value their input, but there are targets to meet, and unity is essential to achieving success.
Eventually, we found common ground because I showed them that I was not against them but wanted teamwork to prevail.
CA: What motivates you to continue empowering women and communities through your work?
Norma: Seeing other women struggle hurts me. I believe we are stronger together. Empowering women eliminates poverty in our communities and reduces the rate of gender-based violence.
When women are empowered, they have the freedom to walk away from compromising situations. Hiring and mentoring other women makes me proud because it plants seeds for a better future generation.
CA: How has your South African heritage influenced your approach to fashion and entrepreneurship?
Norma: The spirit of diversity in South Africa plays a significant role in my work. It allows me to collaborate with seamstresses from different countries.
The principle of ubuntu shapes my business by reminding me that we are all Africans, united in spirit. This same diversity inspires me to dream big and occupy global stages.
My entrepreneurial spirit is open to learning and growing from anyone, anywhere.
CA: What advice would you give to young African women starting their own entrepreneurial journeys?
Education is very important, and so is knowing your market. By education, I don’t mean holding a PhD. I mean researching and understanding the market. Entrepreneurship is all about learning, the willingness to learn, and the ability to relearn.
Lastly, mentorship programs are vital in an entrepreneur’s journey. I believe many entrepreneurs who would have flourished failed due to a lack of mentorship.
The path of entrepreneurship is a lonely one unless you have the right people around you—people who understand that it’s okay to fail and try again.
CA: Can you share an exciting project or initiative you’re working on and its potential impact?
Norma: I was recently appointed as a board member of ABlis (African Business Leadership and Investment Summit).
It’s not just a summit but a movement advancing Africa through global business transformation, economic sustainability, and private sector partnerships.
It’s scheduled for February 25–28 in Rwanda, and I’m thrilled to be part of its planning and execution.
CA: What partnerships have been instrumental in your journey, and how have they shaped your approach?
Norma: Serving as a board member of BRICS CCI has been transformative. It has taught me how to grow, align, and position my brand globally. In 2024, I also served as a board member of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Nigeria.
Through these roles, I’ve met incredible people from diverse backgrounds who’ve enriched my knowledge and skills. I’ve also mentored several entrepreneurs, which has been equally rewarding.
CA: How do you see African female entrepreneurs competing or collaborating globally?
Norma: We already have role models who’ve paved the way for us. Our task is to grab more opportunities and create new ones for future generations.
Collaboration, not competition, is key. By working together, we can occupy leadership positions, amplify our voices, and grow our continent’s economy.
CA: What’s one lesson you’ve learned from failure that has shaped your approach?
Norma: There’s a time for privacy and a time to be public. As an entrepreneur, you must know when to separate yourself from your brand.
I’ve had personal highs and lows, but a great team has always protected my brand. Fear of rejection and not asking for help have killed many dreams.
The key is knowing when to step forward, when to be silent, and how to respond effectively.
CA: What message do you hope to convey to the next generation of African women leaders?
Norma: Know what you know, and seek help for what you don’t. Acknowledge your limitations and surround yourself with people who excel where you lack.
Being open to learning is a privilege that fosters growth and wisdom. You don’t have to know everything; instead, focus on building a supportive, intelligent network.
Norma Mngoma’s journey from IT specialist to fashion entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment exemplifies resilience, vision, and leadership.
She is a force for women’s voices to be heard in a multiple of male-dominated world.
Through her work with Suitably Norma, her foundation, and her roles in global economic forums, Norma has proven that African women can lead, collaborate, and thrive on the global stage.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, learning, and unity. With her stance to inspire and uplift communities, Norma reminds us all that the future of Africa is female, collaborative, and limitless.
