Maryanne Maina

Maryanne Maina

The role of the post office can be underestimated due to an increase in the number of Internet users. However, it is an essential organisation as it is the authorised system for the delivery, posting and handling of all types of mail.

Theresa Victoria Geldenhuys is the company secretary at the South African Post Office (Sapo).

She is assigned to ensure the best governance practices at the organisation. "Sapo is on the right track in terms of the strategic road ahead and understanding where the core focus areas are for the next three years. My task is to ensure that the executives and directors respect and fulfil their fiduciary responsibilities. This will enable us to implement best practices and good governance.

"I am also responsible for the procurement process and providing support to our executive staff. I am the conscience of the company. I encourage compliance and legislation. I also train, motivate, give guidance, inform and improve our policies and processes," she said.

Matters on legalities and compliance are not new to her as she has dealt with these before as an accountant. "You have to adhere to the law as one of the demands of the job."

Geldenhuys has a Higher Diploma in Tax (Unisa); BCompt with honours (Unisa); a MDP Diploma (Unisa, SBL) and a Company Secretary Diploma from Harvard College. She is an associate general accountant of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants; a Fellow of the Institute of Accounting and Commerce (company secretary branch); a Fellow of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The company secretary firmly believes that continued education and training is essential to ensure that one is always informed about the changes in legislation and the trends in business that affect delivery in your chosen career, in addition to improving your skills.

She encourages individuals to study further, stating that it is never too late to learn and improve your mind as well as your career aspects.

Having faith in one's abilities and a will to go the extra mile is an added advantage.

Managerial and leadership skills are also essential at work.

"You must believe in what you do, but do not be a dictator. Find the balance between people respecting you and fearing you. People are important and must always be motivated," she said.