In celebration of Women's Day on 9 August 2022 we're highlighting five inspirational Corobrik women that are thriving in professions that were commonly only for men. Their diverse roles contribute to this year’s South African Government Women's Day theme of: “Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Improved Resilience”.
Karabo Motsepe-Marutla
Government Development Manager
Karabo’s role is to provide an interface between the public sector, business development, and sales functions at Corobrik to grow market share. In addition, she focuses on staff training and development.
"Senior professionals have an obligation to develop more junior employees. It is critical to focus on providing women with opportunities to gain additional experience. Use your position for good by advocating for less experienced women to be included in new projects and joint teams."
One word to describe your personality?
Straightforward
Your first ever job?
Sales Coordinator at Corobrik 15 years ago
What’s your ultimate comfort food/treat?
Pizza and Waffles
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Learn to let things go.
Lerato Mokgotsi
Assistant Factory Manager – Corobrik's Midrand Factory
Lerato started her career at Corobrik in 2010 as a cashier at the Fourways Sales Centre and now leads the operations team at the Midrand factory.
"It has been my greatest pleasure to work for a well-established manufacturing company. I have developed and am growing continuously within the business. Corobrik is widely diversified in terms of culture, race, and gender, which is a significant driver in its ongoing success."
One word to describe your personality?
Enthusiastic
Your first ever job?
Receptionist
What’s your ultimate comfort food/treat?
Spaghetti Bolognaise
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Life after tertiary is not as easy as it seems, but has a lot of challenges and requires, self-confidence, discipline, resilience, drive, commitment, dedication and assertiveness, for you to make it! Don't rush your growth.
Rahab Mathobela
Dispatch Manager – Corobrik's Lawley Factory
Rahab started working at Corobrik in 2002. She is currently studying towards a business administration degree and is confident of progressing to a managerial role in the near future.
"We must never underestimate our capabilities. We must stand our ground and be strong and courageous as women, for then we can achieve anything."
One word to describe your personality?
Reliable
Your first ever job?
Sorter at Corobrik Rietvlei
What’s your ultimate comfort food/treat?
Tin roof ice-cream
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be firm, fair and consistent on your decision making. Women are destined to be leaders.
Charlene Premraj
Laboratory Manager
Charlene is Corobrik's first female Laboratory Manager.
"We are an inclusive workplace, as we have people at different levels and functions with diverse cultural backgrounds, all collaborating as part of a team working toward a common goal. Corobrik encourages greater team diversity as it leads to more innovative and creative outcomes for the business."
One word to describe your personality?
Quirky
Your first ever job?
Laboratory Technician
What’s your ultimate comfort food/treat?
Zucchini fries and chocolate brownies
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Top tier self-care is an important part of self-preservation, therefore take the time out to do the things you love.
Segopotso Mashego
Geologist
Segopotso works shoulder-to-shoulder with Charlene, Corobrik's Laboratory Manager, as a Geologist in terms of product mix development.
"A main barrier still facing women in industry is shattering the perception that we are not as capable and not as strong as men, especially in physical tasks and leadership."
One word to describe your personality?
Awesome
Your first ever job?
Production Geologist
What’s your ultimate comfort food/treat?
Popcorn and popsicles
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself and keep moving. Be sensible, and do not lose yourself in the quest to be number one.
