ACTOM has achieved a 35,63% black women ownership and employs approximately 941 females across 12 divisions. According to Mastercard’s Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE), South Africa is one of only 12 economies where women’s entrepreneurial activity rates increased, with 21,9% of all businesses owned by women in 2021 versus 21,1% in 2020.
“We value our female employees’ opinions and posed a few questions about their experiences and challenges in their day-to-day working life”, said Mamiki Matlawa, Group Business Development Executive, ACTOM.
Why do women enter the manufacturing sector? The golden thread reading through all the responses is that they love what they do. They find it challenging, being in a male-dominated industry, but so rewarding! According to Shoni Mabasa, 25, an industrial engineer from LH Marthinusen, “Manufacturing is a large field with a wide range of positions. You might assemble items, move products, or even operate machinery. You can pick a job with the level of physical activity you feel comfortable with. You won’t experience the frustration of working on something that feels so abstract you can’t see why it’s important”.
It’s rewarding to know that the work you do will always influence the lives of others.” Phumzile Mashinini, 26, an experiential learner from Read & Mitchell, added: “Manmade tools, equipment, machines, automation etc., all fall under STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The evolution of modern manufacturing has driven the course of the global economy for centuries. The most inspiring thing about manufacturing is that we get to see innovation and creative ideas. We face new challenges to overcome daily, and those challenges strengthen your knowledge.”
Although we’ve come a long way, women still face considerable barriers and obstacles in the workplace. Whether it’s the underrepresentation of women in executive roles, lack of childcare support, harassment or biased and discriminatory behaviour, these issues are an ongoing occurrence for women across all industries and organisations worldwide.
ACTOM wanted to know from their female employees what challenges women face in the manufacturing profession. Khathu Moala, 35, a quality control inspector from ACTOM MV Switchgear, says: “As a former electrical trainee, capacity constructs were a challenge. As a woman on the factory floor, we get stigmatised that we cannot do certain duties because we are females.”
Dorothy Kgobe, 38, a tester from ACTOM Distribution Transformers, added: “The lack of female role models, development programs and the shortage of skilled female workers harbours inequalities”.
When asking ACTOM’s female employees what the most exciting thing in their profession is, we have found that they are women firing on all cylinders.
According to Itshepeleng Moholi, 29, a trainee technician from ACTOM Smart Technologies says: “The most exciting thing about my job is that I grow in competence and confidence every day. I have an opportunity to learn new things, work with a highly dedicated team, and collect an interesting set of skills that will help me become an unstoppable engineer.”
Samantha Claudine Hartheem, 47, Turner at ACTOM Electrical Machines, agrees: “The fact that I have the luxury of starting a job from scratch, putting in all the hard work and to later see it being used is pure joy and a great achievement - knowing that I was part of the manufacturing process.”
As ACTOM is making good strides in employing women in their manufacturing divisions, we need to take heed in encouraging our daughters and sisters to join the manufacturing industry, as this is the way of the future. We have asked the ladies to give us some advice they will give young ladies who want to enter the profession.
Sonto Mokoena, 37, a tester at ACTOM High Voltage, advised, “go for every opportunity and do not be afraid of the challenges.”
Maria Drodskie, 35, a test bay foreman at Marthinusen & Coutts, reiterates: “I would say to anyone interested in entering the manufacturing industry – if you aim to succeed, then ACTOM is the best place to learn – with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced people willing to teach you!”
Manufacturing is undoubtedly still a male-dominated industry, and it’s common for women to feel discouraged. However, with continuing education and awareness of gender diversity and support, we will soon see an increase in the percentage of female workers in STEM careers. Don’t give up. Push harder, move the boundaries. Some sage advice from Paula Radcliffe to all women chasing their dreams “Never set limits, go after your dreams, don’t be afraid to push the boundaries. And laugh a lot - it’s good for you!”
Contact Mamiki Matlawa, Phone 010 136-0200, mamiki.matlawa@actom.co.za , www.actom.co.za
