Zoleka Lisa on steering SAB through booze bans while driving impact and growth

Zoleka Lisa is VP of Corporate Affairs at South African Breweries (SAB), where she oversees public policy, communications, stakeholder relations, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

She moved from a senior role at Accenture into the alcohol industry to influence economic development and social initiatives on a national scale. Lisa has led SAB through major challenges, including complex COVID-19 alcohol bans, and is committed to mentoring emerging leaders, promoting responsible business, and driving inclusive growth across South Africa.

 What first inspired you to do what you do – and what was the moment that changed everything for you?

My journey has always been fueled by curiosity, a relentless desire to understand the forces shaping our world and society. Growing up in a home that prioritised education, resilience, empathy, and purpose, I learned early on the value of discipline and kindness from my parents and grandmother. While I didn’t have a specific dream career in mind, these values laid the foundation for my leadership journey. The pivotal moment came when I transitioned from a senior role at Accenture to the South African Breweries. That leap from management consulting to an industry that touches everyday lives enabled me to directly influence economic development, entrepreneurship, and social impact on a large scale, giving my work deeper meaning.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your journey, and how did you push through it?

One of the most critical challenges was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after being promoted to Vice President of Corporate Affairs. We faced complex alcohol bans that threatened the sustainability of our entire value chain, impacting livelihoods across the industry. Balancing government policy objectives with protecting workers and entrepreneurs required immense resilience, strategic dialogue, and collaboration. I could have stepped back, but instead I leaned into tenacity, surrounding myself with strong leaders and mentors to guide us through. That experience reinforced the importance of perseverance, agility, and compassionate leadership in crisis.

 What achievement are you most proud of, the one that still makes you smile when you think about it?

I am deeply proud of leading a passionate team of change agents who are transforming how the industry engages with society. Together, we have driven impactful initiatives that uplift communities, promote responsible consumption, and foster entrepreneurship. Equally rewarding is mentoring emerging leaders—especially women—who have found their voices, seized opportunities, and gone on to lead with confidence. Seeing those individuals thrive and make their mark is a source of great joy and pride for me.

 What makes your role or career path different or special in South Africa?

My role sits at the intersection of business growth, social impact, and national development, a unique vantage point in South Africa’s complex landscape. As Vice President at SAB, I oversee public policy, communications, stakeholder relations, entrepreneurship, and social impact portfolios, which are central to how we build meaningful, responsible relationships with society. This position enables me to influence policies that support local industries, embed shared values into our growth, and contribute to transformative initiatives that resonate beyond business metrics. Serving on industry and community boards allows me to champion change that benefits the broader South African economy and society.

How do you think the work you do is making a difference – whether in your industry, your community, or for other women?

I believe in creating opportunities where people, especially women and youth, can flourish and thrive. Through SAB and the SAB Foundation, we invest in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and social upliftment to ensure inclusive growth. This work is about more than business; it’s about empowering communities and nurturing leaders who will shape South Africa’s future. I am deeply inspired by the resilience and tenacity of women who overcome adversity daily, and mentoring them to find their leadership voices is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to a young woman who dreams of following a similar path?

Make yourself proud. In large organisations, it’s easy to get lost trying to please everyone or meet endless expectations. Instead, focus on your own goals, build a clear career plan, and identify supporters and sponsors who believe in your potential. Lean into that network and, most importantly, show up for yourself every day, through your work, your learning, and your leadership. Your journey is yours to own, and success is measured by how true you stay to your values and ambitions.

Who’s been the biggest influence or mentor in your career?

My greatest influences have been my family, especially my parents and grandmother, who taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of education. They provided the emotional and moral compass that guides me today. Beyond family, I find inspiration in African changemakers, many of whom are not public figures but community leaders demonstrating unwavering commitment to development, women’s empowerment, and social justice. Their courage and values constantly motivate me to lead with purpose.

 What’s one myth about your job or industry you’d love to clear up?

Many assume the alcohol industry only fuels irresponsible drinking or that our work is all about parties. In reality, we invest heavily in educating consumers about moderation and responsibility because lives and livelihoods depend on it. Like any business, our days are filled with deadlines, strategic planning, public policy engagement, and financial analysis to ensure our impact is meaningful and lasting.

If you could give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Trust your own voice and show up for yourself and your team unapologetically. Finding my authentic voice and leadership style has been a journey of embracing all parts of myself, whether it’s being a supermom at home, a dedicated leader at work, or showing up with my all-stars, my blue (and sometimes blonde) hair in boardrooms. Through this authenticity, I’ve created a space where diverse voices are genuinely heard and valued. Leadership isn’t about fitting into a mould; it’s about leaning into your strengths, committing to continuous learning, and fostering environments that empower others to do the same. When leaders show up unapologetically, being self-aware and embracing their unique journeys, they inspire confidence and courage, not only in themselves but in everyone around them, building stronger, more inclusive teams and communities.

When you think back to the subjects you chose in high school or what you studied afterwards, did you ever imagine you’d end up where you are today – and how did that journey unfold?

I often laugh and say I was definitely more of a nerdy “thank you, professor” type than someone who was cool, but deeply curious about how the world worked and why. When I went to university, I studied Environmental Science and Economics, fields that gave me a broad perspective on how complex systems operate. Early in my career, I focused heavily on strategy and consulting, working with top global companies like Accenture. That foundation in problem-solving and business acumen has been invaluable.

Now, as Head of Corporate Affairs for South African Breweries, I truly feel I’ve come full circle in my journey. Along the way, I pursued executive development programs at the London School of Economics and Stanford, which sharpened my strategic thinking and leadership skills. Today, I’m able to apply everything I’m passionate about, strategy, socio-economic insight, and geopolitical understanding, to work that is both meaningful and impactful. This blend of experiences, combined with deeply held values, has shaped me not just as a leader but also as a mother and a person. It’s a journey I hope to continue paying forward by mentoring others and contributing to the growth of the next generation of leaders.

IOL