As we celebrate Women’s Month this August, we’re reminded of the incredible strides women have made in various fields, conquering immense obstacles and setting new standards of excellence. This year, we celebrate a particularly inspiring story—one that highlights the power of opportunity, the impact of mentorship and the triumph of determination. A group of female learners with disabilities, who began their journey through a learnership programme at Multotec, have now become permanent employees – a testament to the success of skills development initiatives and the indomitable spirit of women in the workforce.
The journey of these remarkable women began when they were recruited by Progression and selected to participate in a learnership programme offered by Multotec. The programme was designed to provide them with hands-on experience, professional skills and the confidence needed to thrive in a competitive industry. For many of the learners, the learnership was their first step into a world they had only dreamt of – a world where they could carve out a meaningful career, contribute to their families and uplift their communities.
Find out more about some of their inspirational journeys below:
Mapula Ramahuma
Before joining Multotec, Mapula held various temporary jobs including working for SweepSouth, providing domestic cleaning services. She also enrolled to study further but unfortunately could not continue due to financial difficulties.
Mapula registered with Progression and was chosen for a Business Administration learnership at Multotec at the beginning of 2023. She was placed as a learner with the Sales and Field Services team, performing various administrative tasks. From the start, Mapula showed initiative and sought opportunities to showcase her commitment.
According to Thembisile Mvemve, Skills Development Officer at Multotec, Mapula was obviously very bright and learnt a lot about the department. Thembisile explains, “She handled the department on her own. When her mentor got promoted to another role, Mapula was recommended as a person to hold the position permanently.” On the 1st of February 2024, Mapula achieved an important career milestone when she was appointed as a full time Sales and Field Administrator.
Mapula is thrilled at her new role and grateful for the opportunities that have led to her success, which she believes was the reward for her hard work, perseverance and willingness to learn. She states, “Being a permanent employee at Multotec means a lot to me; it not only validates my capabilities as an employee but also offers me the opportunity to understand my weaknesses and transform them into professional strengths.”
Tintshwalo Hlangwani
Tintshwalo has always been passionate about helping people and prior to enrolling at Progression, she took part in a Social Auxiliary Worker learnership which focussed on community development. She also joined a Department of Education programme as a teaching assistant where she taught high school learners Xitsonga, Business Studies and Economics.
In February 2023, Tintshwalo was selected to participate in the Business Administration learnership at Multotec and placed as a learner in the Stationery Department where she assisted internal customers with issuing of stationery. She found working in the corporate world quite difficult at first. “My challenge was dealing with people’s differences in the workplace, particularly people who do not understand what I am going through as a person living with a physical disability,” Tintshwalo explains.
However, despite her struggles, Tintshwalo remained committed and pushed ahead with a positive attitude to not only successfully complete her learnership, but to also earn a permanent position as a Sales Administration Clerk. Thembisile confirms, “Tintshwalo’s customer service is what got her noticed by managers from other departments. She caught the attention of the Sales Department Supervisor, who in turn, when he had a vacancy in his department, wanted someone like Tintswalo on his team.”
Since starting in her new permanent role, Tintshwalo has continued to work hard and make an impression. Thembisile goes on to share, “Since she has joined the team, the supervisor has been impressed with Tintshwalo’s results, already meeting her monthly targets halfway to month end.”
Thibaribane Kedinetse
We first shared TK’s inspiring success story earlier this year [Click Here To Read The Full Story] . Since being appointed as a permanent employee in November last year (even before she completed her learnership!), TK has continued to thrive in her job and prove herself every day.
Thembisile recounts, “Even before the end of her contract, her manager (and mentor) was already convinced that she wanted TK to be on her team permanently. Her dedication and work ethic is what I believe made her stand out.”
TK has maintained her excellent performance and in July this year, she was rewarded with a promotion to Shipping Administration Clerk, a well-deserved recognition of her commitment to going above and beyond to deliver outstanding results. She credits her latest achievement to her hard work, dedication and always trying to exceed expectations. She adds, “Humility and kindness will allow you to enter rooms that your academic papers cannot take you, and open doors to many opportunities in life.”
Nkosingiphile Nkosi
Nkosingiphile was not new to being a learner when she joined Multotec in February 2023, having already completed two learnerships in the IT field. She was selected for a Business Administration learnership at Multotec and initially placed as a learner in the Inventory and Packaging Department, where her IT skills assisted the department with managing one of the newly introduced systems, which she took ownership of and ran with.
From the start, Nkosingiphile had a strong desire to succeed and worked hard to prove herself. At first, she worried that her efforts would not be acknowledged however her dedication did not go unnoticed. She confirms, “I got so many compliments from my managers as well as the other departments!” A few days before her contract was due to end, she received the wonderful news that she was being absorbed into the Exports department as a permanent employee.
Nobody was surprised by Nkosingiphile’s success. Thembisile has nothing but praise for her when she says, “Nkosingiphile was the bright light from the first day in her department. She has received recognition for her excellent customer service.”
Nkosingiphile has undoubtedly proven her determination and commitment and earned a reputation as a standout performer in the company. Thembisile goes on to explain, “Although she was absorbed into a different department, I believe her recommendation from the department she was hosted in paved the way for her – working on the systems and her knowledge in IT, but most of all her humbleness and willingness to learn and grow was outstanding!”
For these women, the offer of permanent employment is more than just a job—it’s a validation of their efforts, a recognition of their potential and a significant step towards building a more inclusive and diverse workforce. It also represents financial independence, career growth and the ability to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. In addition, it serves as an inspiration to other women and girls, showing them that with determination, hard work and the right opportunities, they too can break through barriers and achieve their dreams.
For Multotec, this decision not only strengthens their workforce but also enhances their reputation as a forward-thinking, inclusive employer. It also sets a powerful example for other organisations, showing that investing in female learners can yield remarkable results, both for the individuals involved and for the company as a whole. By championing the cause of women in the workplace, they are not just contributing to the economic empowerment of women but are also playing a vital role in shaping a more equitable society.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, the story of these female learners reminds us that empowerment is not just about providing opportunities but also about creating environments where women can thrive. It’s about recognising the unique strengths that women bring to the table and offering them the support they need to succeed. This August, we celebrate these women and the countless others who are breaking barriers, defying expectations and forging new paths. We also celebrate the organisations that are making a difference by investing in women’s potential, proving that when women succeed, we all succeed.
