“I learned that good maintenance is invisible, that’s how you know we’re doing our jobs, and if you want anything done right, do it yourself.”
I’m Thokozani Nkuna, born and raised in the Mpumalanga Province. After I completed my matric, I went to Tshwane University of Technology to study Electrical Engineering pending qualification. I started working for the SAWC in November 2009 after a successful Learnership from Mercedes Benz Financial Services Automotive Academy at SAWC. I started as an Administrator in the Maintenance Department. A few years down the line, I got promoted to a Maintenance Supervisor and again promoted to the Maintenance Manager in 2023.
I carry over fifteen years of experience in the Maintenance Operations field and customer-oriented experience from previous work in the retail industry. Being at the College and the exposure to the conservation and wildlife environment triggered a new interest in Occupational Health and Safety to ensure compliance and protection of this type of environment. I then became a Type 5 Incident Commander and an Occupational Health and Safety Officer.
The most interesting part about my job is the challenges that come across daily, which makes me proud and feel growth after coming up with the solutions. Being a problem-solving, positive spirit, and critical thinker makes me love my work more, to see that the Operation Services team is working hard to make the College a good working environment and in better condition always.