By Sitha Maliwa
In the realm of business, few individuals stand out as profoundly as Noelle Makhaukane Ngobeni, whose dedication to social change, community development, and entrepreneurial success is truly inspiring. As the CEO of Quatre Saisons Interior Design & Furniture, Ngobeni has established herself as a leading figure in both corporate and philanthropic spheres, playing a crucial role in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape, particularly in South Africa.
Ngobeni’s academic journey includes prestigious institutions such as Tshwane University of Technology, University of South Africa, Durban University of Technology, and the Gordon Institute of Business Science. These accomplishments laid the groundwork for her multifaceted career, which seamlessly integrates business expertise, community development, and social entrepreneurship.
With over 15 years of experience, Ngobeni has held key positions in several governmental departments and parastatals, including the Departments of Public Works and Agriculture, the Medical Research Council, and Enablis South Africa. Through these roles, she has collaborated with multinational stakeholders, suppliers, and clients from diverse regions, including Africa, Asia, America, and Europe. This global experience has provided her with a nuanced understanding of international markets and the ability to forge meaningful partnerships across borders.
As a passionate entrepreneur, Ngobeni founded Quatre Saisons (Pty) Ltd, a distinguished interior design and furniture manufacturing company that serves corporate businesses, residential homes, the hospitality industry, and retail sectors. Under her leadership, the company has become synonymous with excellence in design, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
In addition to Quatre Saisons, Ngobeni has been involved in several other successful ventures. She co-owned Oyara Enterprises Incorporated, a company focused on training and empowering vulnerable communities to overcome poverty and achieve economic independence. She also played a pivotal role in Handy Vendor, which assisted clients in reducing costs and increasing sales through effective web-based solutions. Another noteworthy initiative, the SME Digital Handbook, aimed to enhance access to markets for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by creating a digital directory that connects them with corporations, government entities, and the general public.
Ngobeni’s commitment to social causes extends beyond entrepreneurship. She has long been dedicated to advancing initiatives focused on women, youth, and community development. As a Board Director for several organizations, she works tirelessly to support and mentor others.
One of her most impactful roles has been as a Board Director for the Dream Girls International Outreach and Mentoring Program, dedicated to empowering young women and helping them succeed in higher education. Through mentorship programs and collaborations with community leaders and professionals, Ngobeni has been instrumental in guiding young women toward educational success and personal growth.
In her leadership role at Bumba Rifumo Investment-NPC, Ngobeni has promoted personal financial independence among women, emphasising group investments and savings to achieve long-term financial stability. Additionally, as the Founder of the Limpopo READS Foundation, she advocates for literacy across Limpopo, providing children with access to books and fostering a lasting love for reading.
Her influence also reaches beyond South Africa, as she has served as the Country Advocate Delegate for South Africa at the Supporting Public Advocacy for Regional Competitiveness (SPARC). In this capacity, she worked to create an enabling environment for South African women in business and labour markets, lobbying for corporations to adopt the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles.
Ngobeni’s contributions to the business and community development sectors have gained recognition. In 2015, she was honoured at the Gauteng Givers Awards, which celebrate women and businesses making a significant impact in their communities. A year earlier, in 2014, she was nominated for the CEO Magazine’s Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government, particularly within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Her work transcends traditional business practices, positioning her as a dynamic force in both entrepreneurship and community development. She serves as a role model for young women and aspiring entrepreneurs across South Africa and beyond, demonstrating that success is not solely about personal achievement but also about uplifting others along the way.
“In entrepreneurship, success is not just about personal gain; it’s about empowering others and building a community that thrives together. True leadership is measured by our ability to uplift those around us, creating opportunities that benefit everyone,” says Ngobeni – @NewsSA_Online