Ruzinha Shah
Image: Supplied
Ruzinha Shah’s professional story is one of determination, faith, and an unshakable belief in the transformative power of empowerment. Raised by a strong and resilient single mother, Shah grew up learning the values of perseverance, humility, and hard work. As the middle child, she developed a natural talent for listening and mediating, skills that would later become central to her leadership approach.
Shah’s educational journey began at Cape Town High School, one of the first Model C schools in the city. Although it wasn’t her family’s initial choice, it became the place where she discovered her love for learning and service.
She joined the Chess Club, served on the Interact Committee, worked as a school librarian, got involved in drama, and wrote for the school magazine. These experiences shaped her curiosity, sharpened her communication skills, and planted the seeds of a lifelong passion for contributing to others.
A week after completing matric, Shah stepped into the working world. She started at United Bank on a temporary project, followed by a part-time cashier role at Pick n Pay Waterfront, while simultaneously beginning her career at ABSA as a candidate technician earning R500 a month. Balancing evening shifts, weekend work, and a steep learning curve in banking instilled in her a strong work ethic and discipline that became the bedrock of her career.
At ABSA, Shah steadily rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming Branch Manager at Fish Hoek. She later took on a groundbreaking role as National Advisor for Women-Owned Businesses, where she organised large-scale events to celebrate and support women entrepreneurs.
These events gave women platforms to share their stories, showcase their achievements, and build networks, an early reflection of her deep commitment to empowerment.
Yet, she often noticed that despite these initiatives, systemic barriers persisted. This reality did not deter her; instead, it ignited a deeper resolve to advocate for meaningful, structural change within workplaces and communities.
When Shah was retrenched in 2006, she used the moment as a springboard. She joined TransUnion while completing her BComm Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, then became a partner in a consultancy supporting SMMEs. Her work focused on helping small businesses access loans, develop business plans, and conduct feasibility studies, practical steps toward sustainable growth.
Today, her focus has shifted to HR outsourcing for businesses without in-house teams, as well as mentoring young entrepreneurs through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). She equips contractors and young business owners with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate complex systems, unlock opportunities, and build sustainable ventures.
Shah’s faith as a Muslim is central to her approach to life and work. Guided by principles of fairness, justice, compassion, and service to others, she sees empowerment not only as a professional mission but as a spiritual responsibility. Inspired by her mother, who was a shop steward, she became one herself at ABSA and attended the COSATU Congress, advocating fiercely for employee rights and dignity.
This belief in justice continues to guide her mentorship work. Whether in the boardroom, the training room, or community spaces, she champions the idea that empowerment begins with recognising every person’s inherent worth and potential.
Through her decades of experience across banking, consulting, and entrepreneurship, Shah has witnessed one truth repeatedly: companies that empower their people thrive.
“Empowerment is not a nice-to-have,” she explains. “It’s essential for building thriving businesses and sustainable communities.”
When employees feel trusted, valued, and supported, they bring innovation, accountability, and a sense of ownership to their work. Empowerment unlocks creativity and resilience, qualities that no organisation can afford to ignore in today’s dynamic landscape.
For Shah, empowerment is more than a professional strategy; it’s tied to her values of fairness and opportunity. She has seen how, with the right support and belief, individuals transform, not just in their work performance, but in their confidence and outlook on life. Whether mentoring young entrepreneurs or guiding contractors, she has witnessed how targeted guidance can lead to breakthroughs.
In the South African context, empowerment also intersects with transformation. Many individuals, especially women and previously disadvantaged groups, were historically excluded from economic opportunities.
True empowerment goes beyond compliance; it involves actively dismantling barriers, creating pathways for growth, and cultivating inclusive environments where everyone can contribute meaningfully, according to Shah.
“Empowerment is a practice and a mindset,” Shah emphasises. “It’s about recognising potential, providing tools and guidance, and creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and motivated. Companies that get this right don’t just perform better, they shape stronger, more resilient societies.”
While empowerment is central to Shah’s career, her personal life is filled with creativity and joy. She enjoys baking, crafting handmade cards, and experimenting with resin art, often using seashells collected from her travels to make meaningful pieces. She loves walking along the beach, hiking, travelling, and collecting fridge magnets as mementoes of her journeys.
A passionate reader, she draws inspiration from authors like Susan Abulhawa, Gabor Maté, Louise Hay, and Asmaa Hussein, voices that have shaped her views on identity, resilience, healing, and spirituality. Writing, whether poetry or reflection, remains her personal creative outlet.
At home, she shares her life with her supportive husband and their three cats, Thunda, Yuki, and Kenzo, each with their own distinctive personalities that bring laughter and companionship to her daily life.
Shah’s journey from a young woman balancing part-time jobs and studies to a leader, mentor, and advocate is a powerful testament to the impact of resilience, faith, and purpose. Her work continues to open doors for others, whether in boardrooms, small businesses, or community spaces.
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