Connie Mashaba is the Managing Director of Black Like Me (Pty) Ltd, a company that manufactures and distributes hair care products locally and exports to other African countries. Founded in 1985, BLM operates in Centurion, Pretoria. The company Is a subsidiary of Amka Products, a leading manufacturer and distributor of personal care products since 2006.

Her direct responsibility is to drive strategic vision and purpose of the company, setting and implementing short, medium, and long-term strategic goals and making sure that they are achievable. She also maintains awareness of the competitive market landscape, industry developments, and growth opportunities while assessing the risk that can befall the company. Connie also focuses on building the company’s brands through direct interface with marketing and the sales teams. She primarily manages the overall operations and resources of the company.

Connie is also the chairperson of Lephatsi Investments (Pty) Ltd, a private equity company investing in diverse sectors in South Africa, her family being a significant shareholder. Her primary responsibility is to ensure that the boards are effective in their tasks, setting and implementing the companies’ directions and strategies. She is also responsible for giving guidance and support to the management team with regards to growth opportunities and the overall increase of shareholders’ value.

Connie also serves on other boards including Investec Property Fund Limited as a non-executive director.

Connie is passionate about social justice, where she gets involved in sponsoring good causes run by a non-government organization such as the Field Band Foundation, where township youth are taught life skills through music and dance. She also mentors emerging entrepreneurs in her field of business and beyond, and she is passionate about education.

Connie has attended multiple leadership programs at Harvard Business School. She is a member of the Institute of Directors of South Africa. She has just completed MBA with Wits Business School and awaiting results.

She is married with two children. Her hobbies include traveling with family, reading, and playing golf.