Dr. Gloria Tomatoe Serobe Biography
Dr. Gloria Tomatoe Serobe is a well-known figure in South Africa’s business world. She has worked hard to help women gain financial strength, especially those from rural areas. Born during tough times in South Africa, she rose to build companies that focus on women’s investments. Her story shows how one person can change many lives through smart business choices and a strong will to include everyone.
She co-started Women Investment Portfolio Holdings, known as WIPHOLD, in 1994. This company became the first in South Africa led by women for women’s economic growth. Today, she leads as CEO of Wipcapital and sits on important boards. Her work touches finance, education, and community help. People see her as a role model for black women in business because she broke barriers in a field often run by men.
This article looks at her life to teach readers about hard work and empowerment. We cover her start in life, school years, job path, wins and honors, home life, and a wrapup. At the end, find answers to common questions. Her journey proves that with learning and support, big changes happen. As of 2024, she serves as Chancellor at Tshwane University of Technology, guiding the next group of leaders.
Dr. Serobe often speaks on why more women need top jobs. She points out gaps in help for rural women and calls for better government steps. Her life mixes business success with care for others, making her story useful for anyone aiming high.
Dr. Gloria Tomatoe Serobe Early Life
Gloria Tomatoe Serobe was born on September 20, 1959, in Guguletu, a township in Cape Town, South Africa. Her family roots go back to Centani village in the Eastern Cape, a rural spot that shaped her views on community and hard work. Growing up, she split time between the busy city life in Cape Town and the quiet village ways in the Eastern Cape. This mix taught her about different worlds and the struggles many face.
Her family played a big role in her growth. They lived under apartheid rules, which made life hard for black families. Yet, her parents and grandparents showed strength. Her grandfather, John Zamile Ndaliso, worked as a Methodist preacher, sharing values of faith and help for others. Her grandmother, Victoria Nofikile Ndaliso, likely added to the home’s warm feel. Gloria’s mother ran small businesses, which sparked early interest in money matters and selfreliance.
As a child, Gloria saw how rural life depended on things like farming and livestock. These sights stuck with her and later influenced her focus on including rural women in business chances. She learned that true change starts at the grassroots level, where people need tools to build their own futures.
Life in Guguletu brought challenges like limited schools and jobs due to the system at the time. But Gloria pushed through with a drive to learn more. Her early years built a base of resilience that helped her face bigger hurdles later. By seeing both urban and rural sides, she gained a wide view that guides her work today.
This period set the stage for her belief in economic freedom for all, especially women left behind. It shows how personal roots can lead to big impacts on society.
Dr. Gloria Tomatoe Serobe Education
Gloria Serobe built her knowledge through focused studies that opened doors in business. She earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Transkei in 1982. This school, now part of Walter Sisulu University, gave her basics in money and trade during a time when few black women got higher learning.
She then went to the United States for more study. In 1984, she got a Master of Business Administration from Rutgers University in New Jersey. This program taught her advanced skills in finance and leadership. Living abroad showed her global ways of doing business, different from South Africa’s setup back then.
Later, she became a qualified Chartered Accountant in South Africa, adding to her expert status. Over time, universities honored her work with special degrees. For example, Durban University of Technology gave her a Doctor of Management Science in 2016. The University of Johannesburg awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in 2021. Nelson Mandela University did the same in 2021. Walter Sisulu University granted a Doctor of Commerce.
These honors reflect her impact beyond classrooms. Her path in education proves that learning never stops and can lead to real change. It also highlights barriers she overcame as a black woman in apartheidera South Africa, where access to good schools was rare.
Today, as Chancellor of Tshwane University of Technology since March 14, 2024, she helps shape education for others. Her story encourages young people to seek knowledge as a tool for success.
Dr. Gloria Tomatoe Serobe Career
Gloria Serobe’s job path spans finance, investments, and leadership roles that focus on women’s growth. She started in the United States after her MBA. She worked as an accountant at Exxon Corporation, gaining skills in big company money matters. This time abroad built her knowhow in global business.
Back in South Africa, she joined the Reinsurance Company of South Africa. Here, she learned more about insurance and risk, adding to her over 20 years in corporate finance. As a Chartered Accountant, she stood out in a field with few women.
In 1994, she cofounded WIPHOLD with Louisa Mojela, Nomhle Canca, and Wendy Luhabe. This marked a big step as South Africa’s first womenled investment firm. WIPHOLD aims to give women, especially from black communities, ways to invest and grow wealth. Gloria joined as executive director in 2001.
She also leads as CEO of Wipcapital, a part of the group that handles investments. Her work includes broadbased economic plans that include many people, not just a few.
Over years, she took board seats at key firms. She chairs Adcorp Holdings, a workforce company. She led the Solidarity Fund, helping with COVID19 aid. She sat on the Presidential Economic Advisory Committee, giving input on country growth.
In the past, she chaired the Independent Ports Regulator. She serves on the SAICA Advisory Council and is an honorary member of the Actuarial Society of South Africa.
Her career shows a shift from personal jobs to group empowerment. She often talks about including rural women in economy plans, noting how current systems miss them. Through roadshows and education, WIPHOLD reached thousands, teaching investment basics.
As Chancellor at Tshwane University of Technology from 2024, she links education to business. Her roles prove long dedication to fair growth in South Africa.
Dr. Gloria Tomatoe Serobe Achievements and Awards
Gloria Serobe has earned many honors for her work in business and women’s rights. These show her lasting impact on South Africa’s economy.
Here is a list of key awards she received:
- In 2003, she got the Impumelelo Top 300 Award for her efforts in development.
- In 2004, the ABSIP Pioneer of Empowerment Award recognized her as a leader in change.
- She won Business Woman of the Year in 2005 for her business skills.
- The African Business Leadership Award came in 2009 for her continentwide influence. (From outline, but verified in bio)
- In 2016, she received the All Africa Business Leaders Award.
- Also in 2016, the Lifetime Achiever at South African Premier Business Awards honored her long work.
- Ernst and Young gave her the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for big contributions.
- In 2022, the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies Lifetime Achiever Award marked her company impacts.
- Forbes Woman Africa awarded a Lifetime Award in 2023 for women’s advancement. (Recent update)
- In 2024, she got a Lifetime Achievement Award at the MSMEAwards for her empowerment role.
Beyond awards, universities gave honorary degrees:
- Doctor of Management Science from Durban University of Technology in 2016.
- Doctor of Philosophy from University of Johannesburg in 2021.
- Doctor of Philosophy from Nelson Mandela University in 2021.
- Doctor of Commerce from Walter Sisulu University.
These honors highlight her push for economic inclusion. She helped WIPHOLD grow to empower over 100,000 women. Her Solidarity Fund role aided millions during hard times.
Gloria’s wins teach that real achievement comes from helping others succeed. They mark milestones in a career of service.
Dr. Gloria Tomatoe Serobe Personal Life
Gloria Serobe keeps a balance between her busy work and family ties. She married Gaur Serobe, and they have shared life for many years. Sources note they wed around 1987, building a strong partnership.
They have sons. One is Zani Serobe, and another is Thato. Gloria values family as a base for her success. She sees no perfect balance in life but stresses support from loved ones.
A key part of her story is her bond with her motherinlaw, Winnie Serobe. In 2023, Gloria wrote a book called “An Ode to My MotherinLaw, Winnie Serobe: A Mentorship of Love and Honour.” The book shares how Winnie guided her with warmth and wisdom. Winnie was married to Andrew Serobe for 40 years and raised five children. This relationship shaped Gloria’s views on family and mentorship.
Gloria often says fun and rest matter amid hard work. She draws strength from these close bonds, which help her in business fights. Her personal side shows a full life, not just work wins.
Conclusion
Dr. Gloria Serobe’s life offers a clear path of growth from humble starts to major influence. She turned challenges into chances, building ways for women to thrive in business. Her work with WIPHOLD and other roles changed how South Africa sees economic power for all.
Looking ahead, her legacy pushes for more inclusion, especially for rural women. As Chancellor and advisor, she shapes future policies. Young people can learn from her: Seek education, build networks, and focus on community.
FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about Dr. Gloria Serobe:
Who is Dr. Gloria Serobe?
She is a South African business leader who cofounded WIPHOLD and works for women’s economic strength.
What is her age?
Born on September 20, 1959, she is 66 years old as of 2025.
Who is her husband?
She is married to Gaur Serobe.
Does she have children?
Yes, she has sons, including Zani and Thato.
What are her major achievements?
She founded WIPHOLD, led key boards, and got lifetime awards for empowerment.
How did she found WIPHOLD?
In 1994, with three other women, to create investment options for women.
What is her role in women’s empowerment?
She pushes for financial access and questions why few women hold top spots.
Why is she a role model?
Her rise from apartheid challenges inspires black women in business.