The Top 40 under 40 is a showcase of local business talent under the age of 40 compiled by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber (NMBBC).
Mandlakazi Skefile (36), is the Chief Executive Officer of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) and is the woman responsible for bringing the world to Nelson Mandela Bay. She was officially appointed to the position of CEO at Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism in 2010, after serving two months as acting CEO.
She has seen many successes in the short term that give her great hope for the future of tourism in the region. “The successful hosting of the FIFA 2010 World Cup was a massive coup for Nelson Mandela Bay,” says Skefile. “Our region saw fifty-two million Rand’s worth of national exposure, climbing to two-hundred and twenty million Rand’s worth internationally.”
Together with the city represented by the MBDA, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and the Eastern Province Rugby Union, NMBT was instrumental in securing for Port Elizabeth the IRB World Series Sevens rugby tournament – the bid has been won for four years, beginning in December this year.
Born and bred here, Skefile says that her position is the perfect outlet for the passion she feels for the Bay. “Being a young, female leader in an industry still grappling with transformation issues requires courage,” she says. “Determination plays a vital role in my success.”

Original Image by: Sandy Coffey Photography.
The Top 40 Under 40 list, an NMBBC initiative, was compiled from nominations and selected by an independent panel at the NMBBC. The end result is a showcase of talented and ambitious young businesspeople from diverse sectors in Nelson Mandela Bay. From 7 December 2011, MyPE showcases one under 40 achiever a day.
See all the Top 40 Under 40 HERE.
Alan Straton
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