Allyship in South Africa
1 June 2023
In our continuing series on allyship, colleagues from South Africa share their stories of allyship.
Lydia More, Administration Officer, GSE Department, Johannesburg I grew up in a small town in the Northwest, and moved to Midrand, Rabieridge, to pursue my career. I started working at Menzies Aviation in 2008 as a cleaner. In 2011, I was promoted to a general role in the GSE department. My manager saw my potential and in December 2012 I started training to be an Administration Officer. I can still hear his words, “Lydia, you will achieve many great things. You have a fire inside of you.” This encouraged me to better myself, not just for myself, but for my children, and for all the other females that will follow. |  |
With encouragement, mentorship and coaching from my manager, in June 2012, I was appointed as an Administration Officer. I will forever be grateful for the difference my mentors have made in my life. My hope is that I can do the same that was done for me.
I do not limit myself as I believe that there is still more that I can achieve. If you really want something in life, go for it and never give up. Push yourself and see yourself evolving.
Merriam Motlengoa, Ramp Operations Duty Manager, Johannesburg I joined Menzies Aviation as a loading supervisor in the freighter operations department in 2008, when they commenced operations at OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, South Africa. When the need arose for the department to do weight and balance for certain airlines, I was one of two employees that were identified to do the training course in Ethiopia, where I acquired licenses for two aircraft - MD11F and B75F, and later I acquired the B74F license. |  |
Towards the end of 2010, there was a vacancy for a duty manager - I was hesitant to apply as it was a month before I was due to start maternity leave. My colleagues and the duty manager encouraged me to apply and I took their advice and was successful. As freighter operations duty manager, I had 55 employees directly reporting to me and worked very closely with the VIP department, with immense support from Charmaine Richards, General Manager Executive Services.
In 2019 I was encouraged by the VP, to join the project team of the Mango airlines start up. I did, but just after few weeks with the team, the Covid-19 pandemic started, and I moved back to my previous department.
After a long conversation with my station manager, Ronald Kanyane, in mid-2022, I moved to the ramp operations department where I am managing a bigger team of about three hundred employees.
I had my 15-year anniversary with Menzies in March 2023. The knowledge and experience that I have acquired through the years is immense and valuable, and I’m grateful for my mentors who carried and assisted me through the journey.
Heidy Maribe, Ticketing Team Leader, Johannesburg I am proud to say that I was the first intern for Menzies Aviation in Johannesburg, South Africa. In 2009, age 25 and battling to make ends meet, I put on my brave face and came to the Menzies HR office in hope of finding a company to help me gain experience. I was greeted with a sign that said, “No vacancies or CVs accepted”. Reminding myself to be brave, I decided to go in anyway, as those who do not take chances will not grow. I was greeted by a warm lady with a big smile, by the name of Rose. As they say, the rest is history... |  |
I started as an intern, and was then appointed as a person with reduced mobility (PRM) assistant, after which I got promoted to an arrivals agent, thereafter a check-in agent, then a ticketing agent and today I am proud to say that I am a ticketing team leader.
This would not have been possible if it wasn’t for that warm smile and my mentors who always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. They encouraged me more than they will ever realise. I believe I am where I am today because of all these valuable people who have coached me.
Finally, I would like to give thanks to Menzies Aviation South Africa for the opportunities that they have given me, because of this I am able to provide for my family.
Nkamogelang Kwadi, Team Leader, Johannesburg What could be better than the experience of working at O.R Tambo International airport, and the people you get to meet along the way? When I first joined Menzies Aviation in 2014, I was just a young girl from Zeerust, who barely knew two languages. Communication was difficult. By being open minded, willing to learn, and receiving the necessary help from my mentors, I made it. I started out as a handling agent, got promoted to a cabin controller and I am currently in the position of team leader. I am where I am today because I shadowed my mentors. I learned and patiently pushed to be better. A special thanks to all my mentors who have shaped me into the person I am today. |  |
Sebenzile Gumede, Passenger Services Department, Johannesburg I was so excited when I heard about the International Woman's Day Allyship stories, and that we will be given this platform to share our stories, as I have a great story I would like to share. May my story motivate you and inspire you as much as my mentors have inspired me. I commenced employment with Menzies in 2010. Little did I know what a great impact this chapter, and my colleagues, would have on me. I remember it like it was just yesterday when Heidy took it upon herself to encourage and motivate me – not only did she uplift me because she saw something in me, but she also helped me to grow and become the woman I am today. |  |
I am grateful for all the valuable life lessons Heidy has taught me. I am grateful that a woman can still uplift another woman.
Menzies as a whole has helped me to achieve my goals over the years. When I commenced my employment I was clueless, but today I stand tall and proud to say that I can achieve anything I put my mind to because my mentors have given me the necessary tools.
Christina Ndhlovu, VIP Executive Services, Johannesburg I started with Menzies Aviation in 2014, and this year marks my nine-year anniversary. I have worked in various departments, including passenger services, ramp, cargo, and I am currently working in the VIP department. I firmly believe that this is because the people that I look up to saw my potential. Today I am a supervisor and can motivate other employees. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has contributed to my growth, and for motivating me to also believe in my potential. |  |