Heavy machines give Nkosingiphile a buzz
Nkosingiphile Goodness Luthuli shows how it's done in male-dominated heavy machinery sector
NKOSINGIPHILE Goodness Luthuli is not afraid of taking care of dirty business.
She actually excels at it.
The talented heavy machine operator, contracted by DC Earthmoving at the Medway Road construction site in
Richards Bay, was first enticed to the male-dominated field in 2011 while employed as a general worker, cutting and pruning trees, in the Port Durnford forest.
Despite realising that men typically fulfil the roles of operating heavy equipment, she was intent on settling on this as a career and obtained her licence and competency certificate.
‘Through sheer determination, Nkosingiphile acquired the necessary accreditation and was able to fulfil her dream of operating heavy construction machinery,’ said Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone CEO Pumi Motsoahae.
‘In the interest of recognising female talent and upskilling local people, RBIDZ has confidently backed the employment of Goodness.’
But it was not always smooth sailing.
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‘As a black female driver, I faced serious challenges, such as being undermined owing to my gender. But I encourage more women to consider the field of construction,’ she said.
‘It is very interesting to see the reactions of my male colleagues when they realise that a female is skilled in operating such machinery.
‘My ability to conduct myself professionally as well as efficiently is what ultimately wins their respect.
‘This job is like any other. It is not gender that determines one’s success, but skill and composure under strenuous situations.
‘My employers are fortunately also very accommodating.
‘They allocated separate changing areas and I also enjoy full benefits such as adequate maternity leave and so on.’
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