Shumani Industrial Equipment celebrates diversity and inclusion on Women’s Day
Observed on 9 August, Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality. A proudly Level 1 B-BBEE company, Shumani Industrial Equipment continuously strives to empower its employees through continuous training and development. “We are a truly diverse and inclusive business across all our areas of operation,” says MD Victor Nemukula.
Rentia Grobler, Commercial Manager
Rentia holds a BCom in Economics and has completed various programmes and courses such as Pastel Accounting, Sales Management, and Finance for Non-Financial Managers. Her role at Shumani involves implementing and maintaining processes and procedures to ensure smooth transitions between all departments. She is directly responsible for the admin side of the service and rental departments, leading a team dedicated to operational excellence.
“I believe that hard work pays off, and my career progression reflects a series of deliberate steps,” explains Rentia. Advancing in one’s career involves constant learning and growth. Despite being relatively new at Shumani, Rentia appreciates the inclusive culture that embraces different genders, age ranges, languages and individual cultures, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
She stresses that maintaining a balance between work and personal life allows one to recharge and perform optimally. Overworking without rest can ultimately harm productivity. Rentia advises on the importance of time management, delegation and speaking up when workloads become overwhelming. Rentia stays passionate by embracing daily challenges and continuous improvement.
Her advice to young women is: “Believe in your ability to pursue any career, and always remember that success requires hard work and dedication. You can be both a fierce woman with a fighting spirit and a compassionate individual. We are truly one of a kind!”
Gugu Buhle Nsibande, Apprentice
Gugu has completed her N2 in Mechanical Engineering and is currently finishing her apprenticeship with on-the-job training. As an apprentice, Gugu is responsible for service and repairs to ensure a safe working environment. Her apprenticeship provides her with practical experience in the field and at the workshop to grow her skills and confidence in team settings and problem-solving.
Gugu highlights that her work affords her opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills, which can lead to achieving personal goals and enhancing organisational success under women’s leadership. “Shumani’s inclusive policies provide opportunities for all races and genders, especially encouraging women to thrive in workshop environments,” she says.
Gugu believes in creating a supportive work environment that acknowledges and accommodates the challenges women face in balancing work and personal responsibilities. ‘’I am passionate about my job because it allows me to learn and develop new skills,” she explains. She takes pride in being part of an organisation with such a stellar reputation.
She encourages young girls to pursue careers as diesel mechanics, stressing the importance of building skills, seeking mentorship and staying updated on industry trends. “Women’s Day is a day to recognise women’s achievements, regardless of divisions such as national, ethnic, cultural, economic or political differences’’ she concludes.
Shumani’s unwavering commitment to gender diversity is evident in all aspects of its operations, from leadership roles to apprenticeships. By fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, Shumani empowers women to excel and contribute meaningfully to the company’s success. This dedication to diversity and inclusion not only strengthens the company but also sets a powerful example for the industry.
