After years of distinguishing herself in digital marketing, brand strategy, and cultural management, Caroline Greyling has taken up the mantle of Museum Director at the Norval Foundation, where she continues to excel and pave the way for women in the industry.

Caroline's journey started at SU where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Language & Culture (2014-2016) and a postgraduate diploma in Marketing (2017).

“There were so many things from my time in Stellenbosch that have left a lasting and positive impression on me, including a number of wonderful lecturers who challenged and supported me," she says. “Getting involved in volunteering work and taking short courses at the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute as well as additional language courses, greatly impacted my personal development and thinking. The University's strong focus on culture also definitely helped to grow my love for and interest in the arts. Having studied at two different departments also ensured a broader interest and understanding of the world and encouraged me to think creatively and outside of the box."

She adds: “I will always remember walking to class down Victoria Street in the shade of the lovely oak trees and my time at my residence Irene and the friends I made there."

After completing her studies at SU, Caroline lived and worked in Paris, France, and travelled around Europe for a while. After returning to South Africa, she took up a position with a marketing agency while completing a master's degree in commerce at the University of Cape Town (2019-2020).

Thereafter she continued to work in marketing in different roles with companies such as Digital Cloud, Cordy's Africa and ESKORT. In 2023, she joined the Norval Foundation team to oversee its marketing activities before being promoted to the position of museum director in early 2024. As the museum director, she is responsible for, among other things, the curatorial programming and activities, the educational department, partnerships and collaborations.

“Working at the Norval Foundation every day is different and interesting. I have the opportunity to not only engage with incredible artists from across Africa and to experience their work, but also to support the development of art education through our learning centre and our educational work," she says.

In her time at the Norval Foundation, Caroline has been involved in initiatives such as the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize and collaborative exhibitions such as Disrupting the Dream at the Mount Nelson Hotel. Before that, as brand manager at ESKORT, she led the “Real Hot Dogs of Mzansi" campaign, which earned over 33 million digital impressions and bolstered the brand's connection with South African culture.

Caroline believes Youth Month presents an opportunity for young people to commit to making a positive impact in their communities and industries.

“South Africa has a large population of young people with a wonderful capacity to do good for our country. I would love to see my generation choose to invest in South Africa by fighting for a better future through active participation and engagement in education and the development of our country. I believe it's not only the big changes and changemakers that can make an impact – each of us can contribute to building a better South Africa through small, daily interactions and choices."

​The passionate “lifelong learner" who strives to “make a difference in my community through my work", de-stresses from life's demands by enjoying a good book and spending time outdoors.​ 

Photo: Candice Searle Photography)