How Thembi Dlamini is helping township traders access finance

Thembi Dlamini, Head of Supplier Management at Shop2Shop, connects major suppliers with informal retailers, including spaza shops and township wholesalers, to improve business relationships and access to financial services. With more than 15 years of experience in financial services, marketing and business development, she focuses on challenges such as rising operating costs and cash-based transactions. She grew up in Naturena, south of Johannesburg, and credits her parents’ sacrifices and encouragement with shaping her ambitions. After studying Marketing Communication and earning an Honours qualification in Brand Leadership, she worked in engineering, rural development, employee benefits and financial services before moving into fintech.