Nomkhita graduated from Rhodes with a BSc in 1996, where she majored in Microbiology and Biochemistry and served for two years as a sub-warden of Atherstone House.  This was followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Investment Management from RAU(UJ) after which she completed a Leadership Development Programme at GIBS.

With a passion for developing talent and skills, Nomkhita served as an Executive Member, Deputy

President and President of the Association for Black Securities and Investment Professionals from

2004 to 2009. She is now a member of the Association's Advisory Council. In 2006 she launched the Women in Focus mentorship programme aimed at supporting the growth of women's leadership in the financial sector.

 She joined ABSA in 2010 and is currently the CEO of ABSA Wealth and Investment coordinating and advising on investments, wealth fiduciary, banking and credit solutions to the ultra-high net worth wealth management clients of both ABSA and Barclays on the African continent. She is responsible for managing R232bn worth of assets.

 She is also a member of the ABSA Group Executive Committee, Corporate and Investment Banking Executive Committee, the ABSA Financial Services Executive Committee and One Africa Wealth Executive Group. She chairs the Diversity and Inclusion Council for Barclays Africa.

 Prior to joining ABSA in 2010, she amassed a wealth of experience across various positions at Alexander Forbes, serving as an executive and a board member in different capacities including an executive at Investment Solutions Multi-Management, developing strategy for the Alexander Forbes Group CEO and as a consultant and advisor to major institutional retirement funds within the country. Later she took over the position of Managing Director of Alexander Forbes Financial Services Holdings Ltd, having previously spent time at the then SCMB Asset Management (now Stanlib)

 Nomkhita is a member of the Ubuntu Education Fund Board of Directors, a Bill Clinton supported initiative, globally recognised non-profit organisation that addresses the transformation of lives from cradle to career of orphaned and vulnerable children living in the townships of Port Elizabeth.

 Nomkhita embodies the values of selflessness and generosity, and she is dedicated to improving the well-being and education of thousands of families.  Having been born and raised in Port Elizabeth, she has a deep understanding of the many challenges that families in the Eastern Cape face.

 She is a true professional and embodies all the qualities that make her a truly outstanding person and richly deserving of the Emerging Old Rhodian Award.