#WomensMonth | Shaping the future of food across East and Southern Africa
Today, she leads Nestlé’s Food business across the East and Southern Africa Region, overseeing a portfolio that reaches millions of consumers. Yet her motivation remains simple: making a positive difference in people’s lives.
"I thought my life would be very simple," she laughs, "I never imagined that I would lead a business."
A matching purpose
After studying marketing at the University of Pretoria, Ramjee started her career in pharmaceuticals before moving into FMCG.
Those early experiences shaped her passion for nutrition, wellbeing and the role food can play in improving lives.
When she joined Nestlé, she found a purpose that closely matched her own.
"Nestlé's mission to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come, really connected with me.
“Coming from healthcare, I saw how nutrition can make a positive impact earlier, before people need medical intervention."
That purpose became even stronger during her seven years in Nestlé’s nutrition business, working across Africa.
“It was about knowing that what we do has a genuine impact on people’s lives. When a child receives the right nutrition, they are more likely to do better at school, support their families and uplift their communities.”
Most proud of
That belief has guided a career spanning nutrition, sales, beverages and food.
Ask Soni what she is most proud of, and she does not start with commercial results or awards.
She talks about people.
"I can look at people who have been part of my teams and remember the development plans we created together.
“Seeing them progress in their careers, whether inside or outside the company, is incredibly rewarding."
For Soni, leadership is about investing in people, creating opportunities and taking pride in seeing others grow.
“If you start from the premise that everyone wants to win, it changes how you lead,” she says.
"When you're younger and ambitious, you sometimes focus too much on outcomes. Looking back, I wish I had learned earlier that nobody comes to do a bad job."
Through the difficult times
One of the biggest lessons of her career has been learning how to lead teams through difficult periods.
Her approach centres on what she calls finding the "glimmers" during difficult moments.
"Every day there is still something to be grateful for. There is engagement. There is laughter. There is progress. Those are the things that keep you moving forward."
She also believes leaders should not be afraid of vulnerability.
“It is important to have honest conversations. Some days things are not going according to plan. That does not mean everything is a failure. Feel it, learn from it and move forward.”
That resilience and curiosity have also fuelled her passion for innovation.
Still work to do
As South Africa marks Women’s Month, Soni says progress has been made in creating opportunities for women, but there is still work to do.
She sees part of her role as helping to create pathways for the next generation.
"Someone will replace me one day, and that excites me. If I can help develop that person, particularly another woman, then I know I've made a positive impact."
"Women belong in every room they are invited into. We should not apologise for being there."
Rather than conforming to traditional leadership stereotypes, she encourages women to lead as themselves.
“I do not need to become someone else to succeed. I am a woman in the world, and I want to lead as myself.”
Purpose, learnng and commitment
Outside the office, it is family that keeps her grounded.
One of her most treasured traditions is spending time with her 88-year-old grandmother over Sunday lunch, a reminder of connection, gratitude and perspective.
“Family keeps me grounded.”
For someone whose career has revolved around food, nutrition and people, it feels fitting that many of life's most meaningful moments are still shared around a table.
And for young professionals, her advice is simple.
“Growth takes time. Be patient. Be open to learning. Every experience, whether good or bad, will shape who you become.”
After 20 years at Nestlé, Soni 's journey is proof that leadership is not defined by titles or positions.
It is defined by purpose, the willingness to keep learning, and a commitment to lifting others along the way.
