South Africa, AUGUST 2025
At Total Ninja, adventure doesn’t only happen on the obstacle courses. It’s built every day by the passionate, determined people behind the scenes. Among them are incredible women whose journeys are marked by hard work, resilience, and a commitment to uplifting others. This Women’s Month, we shine a light on women who have grown with Total Ninja, faced challenges head-on, and inspired others along the way.
Okuhle Ndamase – Let Your Work Speak for You)
Okuhle’s journey with Total Ninja began humbly, starting out as a casual marshal at Black River Park. Within just two months, she transitioned into the admin team, and not long after, an opportunity arose in Johannesburg to help train new staff at the Northgate venue. From there, her career took off: Supervisor to Senior Supervisor in quick succession.
Okuhle’s journey with Total Ninja began humbly, starting out as a casual marshal at Black River Park. Within just two months, she transitioned into the admin team, and not long after, an opportunity arose in Johannesburg to help train new staff at the Northgate venue. From there, her career took off: Supervisor to Senior Supervisor in quick succession.
Recognising her potential, her mentor encouraged her to apply for the Venue Manager Learnership Programme. After rigorous interviews and readiness checks, Okuhle was promoted to Venue Manager at the Stonebridge branch — a testament to her resilience and dedication.
Her journey hasn’t been without obstacles, but she’s carried one mantra throughout: “Whatever happens around you, have faith that your work will speak volumes for you. Just keep working.”
Today, her story is proof that persistence pays off — that even in tough times, consistent effort builds lasting leadership. Okuhle reminds us that shortcuts don’t create leaders; steady commitment does.
Tshina Mdau – Building Branches, Building Futures
Tshina was one of the very first recruits for Total Ninja South Africa. Handpicked by the owners to help launch the brand, she brought with her valuable experience as a marshal, supervisor, and venue manager from a previous family entertainment park. What started out as a varsity holiday job quickly grew into a true calling.
Since then, Tshina has played a pivotal role in opening Total Ninja branches across South Africa — and even helped launch the venue in Dubai. Beyond building venues, she has also built teams: helping to hire much of the current workforce and creating opportunities for young people to thrive within the brand. For her, the real pride lies not just in opening doors, but in opening pathways for others.
“As a young, black woman, I’ve faced my share of challenges,” she says. “But when I get the chance to extend a hand to someone else, I take it. Helping the youth build their own legacy — that’s why I love what I do.”
Tshina’s journey embodies the essence of Women’s Month: breaking barriers, empowering others, and proving that true leadership is measured not only by what you achieve, but by how many others you lift along the way.
Mbali Magawaza – Owning Her Growth Journey
Mbali joined Total Ninja in December 2022 as a marshal and quickly transitioned into a permanent admin role. Within just six months, she stepped up as a supervisor, and by May 2025, she had risen to the position of Venue Manager.
With a background in science, Mbali never imagined she’d find her path in the family entertainment industry. But at Total Ninja, she embraced each opportunity and discovered a powerful truth: growth is a personal responsibility. She consistently pushes herself out of her comfort zone, leans into uncomfortable conversations, and works on breaking the habits that hold her back.
“Procrastination has no place when you want to grow,” she says. “The more you get the job done efficiently, the more space you have to develop yourself.” For Mbali, Total Ninja offers endless opportunities — from customer service to leadership — making it a place where learning never stops.
More Than Just a Park
The stories of Okuhle, Tshina, and Mbali illustrate that Total Ninja is more than an Adventure Park. It’s a place where careers are built, leaders are developed, and dreams are pursued.
Whether starting as a marshal or stepping into management, opportunities exist for anyone willing to work hard, embrace growth, and support others along the way.
This Women’s Month, Total Ninja celebrates these women and all women across our venues whose strength, grit, and passion make our parks more than just places of play. They remind us that growth isn’t limited by the month on the calendar; it’s a mindset, a daily choice, and a journey of consistency and courage.
At Total Ninja, every leap, climb, and challenge reflects not just physical strength, but the resilience of those who power our brand. And in the high-energy, ever-evolving world of family entertainment, there will always be another obstacle to conquer — and more inspiring women leading the way.
