Faith Magidigidi’s journey is rooted in a powerful story of community, resilience, and transformation. Growing up in the rural Eastern Cape, she witnessed first-hand how her father’s small shop was far more than a business, It was the lifeblood of a community. Beyond providing essential goods, it connected families, supported health needs, and created hope. This early experience instilled in Faith a deep belief in the transformative power of small businesses and entrepreneurship.
Today, as Senior Divisional Manager for Financial Services and Telecommunications at Bidvest Prestige, Faith champions the vital role that SMMEs play in stimulating local economies, creating jobs, and driving innovation, especially among women and youth. She understands that successful enterprises strengthen communities, build dignity, and spark lasting social and economic change.
Through her work mentoring two sustainable businesses, Faith has identified the core ingredients of resilience: a clear sense of purpose, agility to adapt in a fast-changing environment, strong financial management, innovative thinking, and a commitment to building accountable, capable teams. Central to this is remaining close to customers and anticipating their evolving needs.
Faith’s unique leadership style is shaped by her background in hotel management and business education. She combines service excellence and attention to detail with strategic operational thinking. This blend of empathy and precision enables her to lead high-performing teams that foster innovation, accountability, and collaboration, qualities essential for navigating today’s dynamic business landscape.
Her commitment to empowerment is deeply personal. Being appointed as the first Black female Operations Executive at Bidvest Prestige symbolised progress for women across the organisation. More rewarding still has been mentoring women who started in entry-level roles and have grown into management positions, a testament to Faith’s belief that true empowerment comes from creating pathways and walking alongside others as they rise.
Balancing a demanding career with motherhood and a passion for travel, Faith approaches life with intentionality and values-driven discipline. She embraces presence, whether in the boardroom or with her son and sees personal fulfilment as integral to professional success.
Her advice to young women aspiring to lead is succinct and powerful: “Bend, but don’t fold. Lead with purpose, stay anchored in your values, and never underestimate your voice. Leadership is about impact, not titles. Show up fully and authentically, you are enough.”
Looking ahead, Faith hopes to leave a legacy of meaningful transformation, one that combines operational excellence with inclusive leadership. She aims to nurture cultures where people feel seen, empowered, and motivated to lead. Beyond Bidvest Prestige, she is determined to challenge the status quo, open doors for underrepresented talent, and demonstrate that purpose and profit can and must thrive together.
Faith Magidigidi’s journey is a compelling reminder that leadership rooted in community, empathy, and strategic vision has the power to change lives and redefine success.
View Faith’s story on the video below: