Today we’re examining Siviwe Henda’s motivations for joining the team at one of South Africa’s leading digital loan providers: Wonga Online. We’ll explore the challenges faced, lessons learned and ultimately what factors have kept Sibiwe there for over five years and counting.
So Why Pick Wonga?
Siviwe’s choice to join Wonga stemmed from its unique appeal at the time. With a background in health informatics, where new client opportunity was relatively limited, Wonga’s expansive reach across South Africa piqued his interest. It wasn’t just a chance to pivot into a new field; it teased substantial career advancement and exposure. In his prior role, although he gained valuable experience, he felt stifled by this small client base, fearing it impeded his professional growth. Wonga, conversely, offered a breath of fresh air—a dynamic environment catering to a diverse and comparatively massive demographic.
Starting as an intermediate-level Quality Assurance tester, Siviwe’s swift ascent to a senior role was facilitated by Wonga’s supportive ethos of safe development. As a newly Senior QA Analyst, Siviwe’s role became indispensable to elevating Wonga’s product and service quality; ensuring changes prioritised a positive customer experience. He found himself part of a team that fosters professional growth, providing a plethora of different avenues to expand skills and tackle fresh challenges. These challenges during his half-decade at Wonga have proved to be pivotal moments that have significantly shaped his long term career trajectory.
One standout was the shift from relying on UK integrations to crafting uniquely South African platforms. This transition was notably characterised with high-pressure scenarios, demanding seamless changeovers while managing tight costs and deadlines. Other noteworthy milestones include Wonga’s adoption of Cloud 9 technology and the migration from FICO to GDS for decision-making which proved crucial in managing loan approvals, forming the bedrock of their decision-making framework. These labour-intensive marathons enriched his skill set significantly.
Any advice to others considering a similar move?
Siviwe’s advice to fellow would-be Wonga applicants is to embrace questions and learn from mistakes, leveraging this supportive environment for holistic development that will benefit you for your entire career. Wonga has played a pivotal role in nurturing skills development and career progression in the field of Quality Assurance specifically in this case, however the Wonga brand champions individual growth across all areas of fintech, carefully cultivating an environment where ideas are free to flourish. Their dedication to personal development is obvious through initiatives like offering access to Udemy courses, empowering employees to invest in their own growth.
Despite initial self-doubt, Wonga’s inclusive culture and commitment to talent recognition has helped many staff members overcome their personal obstacles. Observing Wonga’s evolution over the years, particularly amidst challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, has been fulfilling. The digital lender’s continued growth in an uber-competitive marketplace has assured the Wonga team that its future is secure.
“I’m optimistic about the company’s future as it diversifies its financial products and refines its online platforms, cementing its position as an industry leader.”
Plans for the future?
Looking forward, Siviwe aspires to transition into a more technically focused role within QA or to potentially explore the journey of an eventual product owner. Regardless of the path, he aims to continue making a positive impact on the organization that has helped him grow, translating his blossoming expertise, confidence and enthusiasm back into the company.
If you’re interested in a potential career at Wonga you can learn more about their careers here.