While some may separate their professional identity from their personal values, Victoria demonstrates that ethics cannot be compartmentalised. Integrity is woven into every aspect of who she is, both at work and in life.
"I do not separate my ethics into personal and professional categories; for me, they are one and the same," she says.
Victoria advocates for a society where ethical and inclusive leadership is valued, encouraged and reflected at every level. In an age increasingly marked by division, isolation and the erosion of genuine human connection, Victoria believes we should rediscover the virtue of ren - benevolence; the quiet art of compassion, altruism and human-heartedness toward one another.
In South Africa, this is better known as Ubuntu. "Imagine the impact if, before every decision, disagreement or interaction, we simply chose to remember our shared humanity. Many of the challenges that appear overwhelming begin to shrink when viewed through the lens of empathy and understanding. Yet it is often in difficult times, when resources are scarce, tensions are high, and uncertainty prevails, that our humanity is most severely tested. Too often, people become consumed by self-interest, even when the pursuit of personal gain comes at the expense of others, their communities or their nation," Victoria emphasises.
“There's an old saying that 'life does not come with a manual; it comes with a mother,' embracing the sentiment that mothers inspire through their compassion, sacrifice and determination, while reminding us that their influence extends far beyond the home. Victoria attests to this: The woman I admire most for her ethical leadership is my mother,” she says with a smile.
Ironically, as a child, Victoria was convinced that her mother was one of the most difficult people she knew, possessing an uncompromising devotion to honesty and never retreating from difficult conversations or uncomfortable truths. At the time, Victoria could not understand why anyone would willingly risk discomfort in the pursuit of truth. "Looking back now, I realise that what I mistook for difficulty was, in fact, extraordinary courage," she admits.
As the eldest of ten siblings, Victoria's mum was often the one who spoke the truths others avoided. "Yet what fascinated me was that no matter how blunt or challenging those truths were, her brothers and sisters would return the very next day for tea, laughter, or a plate of her homemade food. As a child, this made little sense to me. I was certain that if someone spoke to me so candidly, I would never forgive them. Clearly, I still had much to learn about life, love, and the resilience of genuine relationships," expressed Victoria.
Now, as a mother herself, Victoria finds that her mum's example resonates even more deeply. She understood that real love is not simply about protecting people from discomfort; it is about caring enough to be truthful, even when the conversation is difficult. “If I am not honest and open with my daughter, I may spare her discomfort today but fail her in ways that matter tomorrow. My mother showed me that ethical leadership does not always look grand or dramatic. Sometimes it is found in the quiet courage to speak the truth, to act with sincerity, and to choose integrity over convenience. That lesson has shaped the way I lead, the way I build relationships, and the way I hope to raise my daughter," Victoria affirms.
For Victoria, Women's Month provides meaningful reflection, but she also describes it as "bittersweet". "As rewarding as motherhood and a professional career can be, the reality is that trying to be the best mother possible, while also striving to excel professionally, often comes with significant personal costs and many invisible sacrifices. At the same time, I am encouraged by the remarkable progress being made in women's health research." Victoria cites some examples, including growing scientific attention on conditions such as endometriosis, menopause, hormonal health and gender differences in how diseases present and respond to treatment, which are challenging long-held assumptions and addressing areas that were often overlooked or dismissed in the past.
She is encouraged that these developments are helping to create a more balanced and evidence-based understanding of women's health. "I am hopeful that, over time, these advances will continue to influence workplace policies and cultures, making them more accommodating, inclusive and responsive to unique challenges women face," she remarks.
Victoria reflects on the significance of Women's Month through the lens of her roles as both a mother and a CSIR professional.
“Perhaps the most powerful way to celebrate integrity, equality and respect is not through grand gestures, but through a collective return to kindness. If we can relearn how to see ourselves in one another, extend grace where it is needed, and act with genuine concern for the wellbeing of others, we may find that the world becomes not only more ethical, but also more hopeful, more connected, and ultimately more human.," she reiterates.
It is these qualities, among others, which inspired colleagues such as Rodney Kandier, Senior Compliance Specialist at CSIR Legal and Compliance Services, to recognise and celebrate Victoria during Women's Month and beyond.
Rodney highlights that one of the most inspiring aspects of Victoria's career is her role in establishing and growing the compliance function within the CSIR at a time when no formal Compliance Department existed. He points out how, through her determination, vision and unwavering commitment to ethical governance, Victoria helped build a structured compliance environment that today plays a critical role in supporting accountability, regulatory compliance, and good corporate governance across our business.
Victoria advocates for a society where ethical and inclusive leadership is valued, encouraged and reflected at every level.
"What makes her story even more compelling is that she has achieved this while carrying the responsibilities of being a single mother. Balancing the demands of leadership with the challenges of raising a child on her own requires extraordinary resilience and discipline. Despite these responsibilities, she consistently performs at a high level, demonstrating professionalism, strength and a commitment to excellence," Rodney explains.
Rodney believes that Victoria's story is not only about professional success, but also about perseverance, sacrifice and the ability to lead by example, noting that she serves as an inspiration to all colleagues, particularly women who are navigating the challenges of balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities. He shares with evident admiration that her journey reflects the qualities celebrated during Women's Month, such as courage, determination, leadership and the ability to create lasting positive change within the workplace and society.
Published 20 August 2026