PERSONALITY PROFILE
73
Striving to make a difference
to the copper industry
Levine Warries is the centre director at the Copper Development Association
Africa (CDAA). She absolutely loves her work and takes any challenge head
on. In this edition of Plumbing Africa, we get to know a bit more about her.
Levine Warries, centre director of
the CDAA.
By Cherry Ellis
PA Explain how you got started in your career and how you
ended up where you are today.
I started out as a data capturer at my previous company (many
years ago) on a fully integrated ERP system and with that, I decided
to study [accounting] to be able to handle the dynamics of the entire
system. In 2012, CDAA was looking for an accountant and that is
how my journey started. PA Do you enjoy what you do, and why?
I love what I do. It is a very dynamic industry. Every day is just so
interestingly different.
PA What are your responsibilities in your current position?
Being the centre director for the Copper Development Association
Africa. PA How do you see your future?
The development of the copper market is one of my prime
objectives and we will only do that by increasing membership and
developing the downstream market.
PA What do you hope to achieve in your current position?
We have set certain goals for the development of the company and
its members, which we aim to achieve.
PA What have you achieved so far?
Many of the milestones have been achieved, while others are ongoing.
PA What are the major challenges, in your opinion, that the
copper industry needs to overcome?
Without a question, the theft of copper and new market
development.
PA How can these challenges be addressed?
By reducing the export of copper scrap and expanding the
manufacturing base.
PA What attracted you to this industry?
The opportunity to move into management.
PA What is your favourite part of your job?
My relationship with our members and meeting new and different
people from different sectors in industry.
PA What do you still want to achieve?
Retaining recycled copper for our members is in line with this vision.
PA As a female in a male-dominated industry, have you been
faced with challenges?
I have been fortunate to work with very intelligent and professional
members and members of the board, who accept and encourage
the role of females in business.
PA What is your work philosophy?
Integrity, dedication, and accepting change.
PA What message would you like to send out to the CDAA
members?
To continue with their invaluable support. We will continue
developing the market by implementing new initiatives and products
and by solving the copper theft problem. PA
The Personality Profile is sponsored by Geberit
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
October 2018 Volume 24 I Number 8