In any business, a CEO is not only responsible for setting and executing the company's strategy but also for embodying its values and culture, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainable growth. Setting new benchmarks as a woman leader, Taubie Motlhabane, CEO of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), reflects all the qualities of an effective leader through a diverse career path marked by impactful roles in finance, government, and tourism. Raised in the North West Province of South Africa, Taubie attributes much of her success to her upbringing and the values instilled by her mother. Taubie’s experience as Business Tourism Manager at South African Tourism allowed her to promote South Africa as a premier destination for international conventions, enhancing the country's global appeal in the tourism sector. In Bahrain, Taubie served as Events and Marketing Manager at the City Centre Hotel, gaining insights into the dynamic hospitality industry and integrating global best practices into her strategies. Her tenure as Head of Events for the City of Ekurhuleni and Executive Director of the Tshwane Convention and Visitors Bureau equipped her with invaluable leadership skills and a deep understanding of managing large-scale events and initiatives. As CEO, Taubie continues to steer the organization towards greater prominence. Let’s hear more from her in this interaction.

Throw some light on the key responsibilities you shoulder as Cape Town International Convention Centre’s CEO.

As CEO of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), I oversee South Africa’s premier convention venue, a cornerstone of the African continent. Located in Cape Town's Foreshore, the CTICC boasts state-of-the-art facilities, versatile spaces, and exceptional service. Comprising two interconnected buildings, CTICC 1 and CTICC 2, we host large-scale conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, and events, including hybrid formats. Our award-winning centre is committed to environmental, social, and financial sustainability, significantly contributing to South Africa’s GDP.

Strategically located near the V&A Waterfront and a 20-minute drive from the international airport, the CTICC serves seven key markets: international and national conferences, exhibitions, trade fairs, banquets, special events, and film/photo shoots. In the 2022/2023 financial year, we hosted 427 events with nearly 275,000 attendees globally.

My role focuses on driving our purpose of accelerating economic prosperity, inclusivity, creativity, and innovation. Our vision is to be respected as the enabler of Africa’s smartest community of creativity, opportunity, sustainability, and excellence. Post-COVID-19, resilience is crucial, and emphasis on sustainability and ESG goals is part of resilience. Our passionate and dedicated team is at the heart of our world-class service. Ensuring a cohesive, strategy-aligned team is my top priority, and I am proud to lead as their CEO.

"I firmly believe that if you think you can achieve something & are willing to work hard, you can make it happen"

Tell us about your current focus areas & priorities in terms of driving growth for Cape Town International Convention Centre.

We are committed to reinventing ourselves, emphasising inclusivity, creativity, and innovation. Our growth strategy involves future-proofing the CTICC, ensuring our relevance for decades to come. This involves adopting a triple bottom line approach: prioritising people, planet, and profit.

Our collaborative culture is a key element of our business. We embrace values of passion, integrity, innovation, excellence, gratitude, and caring. I prioritize human capital matters, recognizing and rewarding employees for their contributions. We also focus on skills development and socio-economic contributions, hosting students for work-integrated learning and supporting community programs.

Environmental sustainability is another priority. Our Nurture our World (NOW) Committee ensures we meet international standards, such as the UN Global Compact and Sustainable Development Goals. In 2023, we diverted 600 metric tons of waste from landfills and promoted sustainable practices with our clients.

Economically, we made significant contributions post-pandemic, with R5.7 billion to the national GDP and R5.4 billion to the Western Cape GGP in 2023. We created nearly 11,000 jobs and generated over 480,000 additional room nights. Our dynamic commercial team and participation in global events help promote our convention centre and secure future events. These strategies are essential to maintaining our status as a premier convention destination.

In your opinion what have been the biggest ‘wins’ that you have achieved so far in your professional journey? What has been your success mantra over the years?

One of my proudest achievements as CEO of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) was our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Appointed in January 2020, I faced the unprecedented challenge of a city shutdown by March, with the airport closed and large gatherings restricted. We quickly pivoted our strategy and transformed the CTICC into a hospital, a groundbreaking move that showcased our adaptability and resilience. This effort allowed us to provide a critical solution for the city, avoiding staff retrenchments and instilling a sense of hope during a crisis.

Another significant win is the global recognition the CTICC has garnered. We were honored with gold at the 2024 Eventex Global Awards, winning in the categories of Best African Events Destination and the International Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Destination. My election as chairperson for the International Congress and Convention Association's (ICCA) African chapter stands out as a personal career highlight.

My success mantra has always been rooted in maintaining a positive mindset. I firmly believe that if you think you can achieve something and are willing to work hard, you can make it happen. Conversely, if you think you can't, you won't succeed. This belief has been instrumental in driving my career forward, helping me navigate challenges and achieve my professional goals. The combination of strategic adaptability, resilience, and a positive outlook has been key to my successes and will continue to guide me in my journey.

How do you foresee women’s representation in leadership roles evolving in the South African business landscape?

The representation of women in leadership roles in South Africa has been evolving positively, driven by legislative frameworks emphasising gender diversity and inclusivity. These regulations encourage companies to prioritize women's inclusion in senior positions. At the CTICC, women hold senior roles, reflecting this trend. There is a growing recognition of the value that diverse leadership brings to businesses, with studies showing that companies with diverse teams are more innovative, make better decisions, and perform better financially.

Educational opportunities for women have expanded, resulting in a larger pool of qualified women ready for leadership. While progress is evident, more can always be done. The shift from the old sentiment of needing to be 'like a man' in the boardroom to celebrating women's unique perspectives is crucial. Women have a significant role in future leadership, focusing on making meaningful connections and heart connections with teams, contributing to more holistic and effective leadership.

Taubie Motlhabane, CEO, Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)

Taubie Motlhabane is the CEO of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). With a career spanning finance, government, and tourism, she has held key roles, including Business Tourism Manager for South African Tourism and Head of Events for the City of Ekurhuleni. Her international experience includes being the Events and Marketing Manager in Bahrain. Each role has equipped her with the skills and insights to lead one of Africa's premier convention centres effectively.