Opportunities abound for women in the demolition industry

Problem-solving is the most exciting part of her job, says Jet Demolition Financial Manager Boipelo Tefu. “I work in a dynamic company that always looks for the best and safest ways to execute our responsibilities. We try to stay abreast of all changes in our environment or industry.”

Boipelo is tasked with ensuring that the company’s financial records are accurate and compliant. Belonging to a family business like Jet Demolition is motivating because you are part of the founder’s dream and vision, adds Boipelo. “We all want to be part of a greater plan, and being part of Jet Demolition makes me feels exactly that way. Helping the founders realise their dream is a bonus.”

She is adamant that there are vast opportunities for women in business to make their mark. “We just need to be given the chance. We have proven time and again that we can run businesses, and our perspective should be valued. We need more women as leaders. I think our counterparts have had a fair chance and now we should be allowed to run with it.”

Boipelo’s message to her fellow female colleagues and the industry on the occasion of Women’s Day on 9 August is simple: “Equip yourself with the necessary skills and broaden your knowledge. We still have a long way to go before women are at the forefront, but that does not mean it will not happen. Stay motivated and prepared.”

“We have proven time and again that we can run businesses, and our perspective should be valued.” – Boipelo Tefu

Working for Jet Demolition is empowering as employees are allowed to share ideas and experiences with the team, says Fleet Maintenance Planner Emily Baloyi. “Yes, it is challenging being a woman in a male-dominated industry, but through communication it becomes easier, and our male co-workers are available to support us with all work-related requirements.”

Emily has been working at Jet Demolition since 2019. She ensures that all plant and equipment is maintained and serviced and that any repairs and breakdowns are attended to. She also organises and buys machine spares on request and for stock items. What keeps her motivated in her challenging role is the willingness to learn new things every day. “I look at the challenges and demands as an opportunity to empower myself with skills and knowledge.”

Jet Demolition Junior Project Engineer Nontobeko Zwane says the industry is very dynamic. “Each and every project I have been on has equipped me with a vast array of new skills. The most exciting part though is watching the planning progress into a completed project day by day, and having that feeling of fulfilment knowing that we are part of something great.”

Nontobeko has a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. “Engineering is a broad field. I chose to study engineering because I believe that, apart from exciting career opportunities, I want to play a part in solving many of the world’s biggest problems.”

Her role as a Junior Project Engineer comprises duties in line with project management and sometimes engineering and design. “Working at Jet Demolition has been a fun and wonderful experience. It has also been challenging, because occasionally I find myself encouraged to take on different responsibilities outside my daily tasks. This is a great confidence booster, as these give me the opportunity to grow and progress within the company.

“I want to play a part in solving many of the world’s biggest problems.” – Nontobeko Zwane

Jet Demolition HR and IMS Manager Tia Haydock celebrated her 22^nd year with the company on 12 July 2021. Employed originally as a personal assistant to the directors, she attended occupational health and safety training for the mining industry in 2003 and began managing the company’s SHEQ system in 2004. She embarked on her National Diploma in Human Resources Management in 2005 and was formally appointed as HR and SHEQ Manager in 2010.

“I have always had a passion for creating systems, specifically ones integrated across all the functions of business operations. We established a team of skilled administrators to capture and create a documented system ready for ISO 9001 accreditation in 2009. This was the inception of our current integrated SHERQ management system, which has been recognised with several local and international rewards,” says Tia.

“Additional female business owners and professionals can only strengthen the diversity of any industry.” – Tia Haydock

She stresses that HR plays a vital role in the company’s operations. “Ensuring that the right skill is placed where needed is crucial to the safe and successful completion of demolition projects. Being the custodian of human resources is one of my responsibilities I value the most. I have a passion for training and developing employees and, of course, grooming them to become future leaders.”

Tia definitely thinks there are still opportunities for women in business and industry to make their mark. “There is no reason that business opportunities for women cannot include the full extent of the business world. Additional female business owners and professionals can only strengthen the diversity of any industry.” Her message to her fellow women colleagues and the industry on Women’s Day is: “Do not emulate others; own who you are and what you believe in; live by it, and do not forget to love yourself.”