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Moving up professionally

Wetumwene Shikage

Mariselle Stofberg is the newly appointed communications practitioner in the marketing and communications department at Old Mutual.

The working environment of Old Mutual allows Stofberg to easily describe it as incredible. “The energy and passion the employees of Old Mutual have for their work and the love they have for the brand is unparalleled. You feel it by just entering the doors. I am excited to go to work every day, and I can see how this new position will challenge me in the best way possible,” she said.

Firm management that gives employees the extra push to think, be creative and persevere allows great work to be well executed. This is why Stofberg takes her manager, Mufaro Nesongano, as a mentor who inspires her to become the best version of herself. She added that being under the leadership of the Old Mutual acting executive for marketing and communications, Ashante Manetti, makes a bright work horizon attainable.

On the job

As a communications practitioner in the marketing and communications department, her roles include being responsible for internal and external communication, media relations and stakeholder relations. Stofberg says each day brings a new opportunity and task.

“You never know what lies on your table, in your inbox or awaits you once you enter the doors. It does, however, remain extremely exciting. Old Mutual creates an environment where one gets to grow, learn, be creative and innovative and where you and what you can bring to the table is valued,” she said.

About Stofberg

Born in Welkom in the Free State, she attended primary school at Tsumeb Gymnasium and matriculated there in 2014. Among other academic achievements, Stofberg was the top Independent Examination Board (IEB) matriculant for that year. Deeply saddened by the death of her father, who was one of her teachers, just a month before her final grade 12 examinations, she used this as an opportunity to honour him and his legacy.

“To keep me going, I wore his wedding band on a chain around my neck, and right before each exam I could feel him there with me, guiding me and keeping me strong. It was, without a doubt, the most difficult time for me, but I had a guardian angel with me who inspired me to never ever give up,” she said.

Stofberg proceeded to complete a BA degree in communication studies and honours degree in advanced corporate communications at the North-West University in Potchefstroom, both of which she completed cum laude.

Advancing

Stofberg’s educational achievements landed her great career positions which began at Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) in 2019 as a journalist. After growing her skillsets and building relationships, she moved over to the youth brand of NMH, My Zone. The team of My Zone quickly became like family, and each team member helped her to become the person she is today.

On 1 December 2021, Stofberg joined the Green Machine at Old Mutual and despite having been appointed in this position for only about two months, Stofberg says she can already see how happy she will be and is “looking forward to the amazing journey that lies ahead.”

When she is not caught up with work, Stofberg loves reading, having coffee, chocolates, Turkish delights and biltong. Stofberg loves animals and spends time with her mother and boerboel Bella, who she says is “the love of my life.” Stofberg loves the ocean. “I strongly believe that in my previous life I was a unicorn or a mermaid,” she says.