Events and Exhibitions
INSPIRATION FOR WOMEN
IN THE HVACR SECTOR
By Benjamin Brits
The recent morning event saw attendees eager to hear from a few of the industry ’ s experienced ladies who resonated a collective goal : ‘ To change the workplace environment mindset ’.
While the speakers gave attendees some insight into their lives and journeys to-date , they also offered practical advice to ensure a successful career and addressed ways to manage some of the real issues that women face in the industry – some of which are unfortunately by their own hand .
One echoing comment that arose was the persistent mindset and perception of women in the work environment that must see a change in order for change to happen . This is of particular importance as more women are entering the industry from the student level upwards .
This inspirational workshop , initiated by Samkelwa Xaba – a transport refrigeration apprentice at Thermoking , was hosted at the GEA Africa offices in Midrand , and was attended by many women holding different roles in the industry from students to sales representatives , to logistics and human resources .
Greeting all her guests , Xaba was in praise of her career expressing that to-date , her time at her employer has been an incredible journey from the day she walked through the door , receiving commendable opportunities and support .
“ Today ’ s event is about initiating and building a community for young women within the HVACR industry . The ultimate objective is fostering growth , mentorship , career guidance , and most importantly building lasting relationships between professional women in this industry and the young women entering the industry as a support mechanism . As the beginning of a process , I ' m hoping that we ' ll all continue with this project to make it a success ,” said Xaba .
I stopped fighting to meet people ’ s expectation of me . I stopped fighting for my rights with inconsiderate people . I stopped fighting to please everyone . I stopped fighting to prove they were wrong about me . I left such fights for those who have nothing else to fight , and I started fighting for : My vision , my values , my dreams , my ideas , and my destiny . The day I gave up on small fights is the day I started becoming successful , and so much more content . Some fights are not worth your time . Choose what you fight for wisely .”
Prelicia Rampal , the designated MC for the morning ( working in the GEA service excellence department ), also noted her honour in being a part of the GEA Africa team as well as participation in the support initiative . Having a young daughter herself , she shared the difference and importance that can be found in young women who are surrounded by women that want to achieve and want to make things happen . “ What I take out of this is the reality that I haven ’ t put anything in my child ’ s mind , it ’ s all about what she experiences and what she is able to do herself . In her view , pink is for boys and blue is for girls , and not the other way around as you may be used to – this can speak for itself .”
Xaba shared a short anecdote before proceedings continued : “ I once asked a very successful woman to share her secrets with me . She smiled and said : I started succeeding when I started leaving small fights for small fighters . I stopped fighting those who gossiped about me . I stopped fighting with my in-laws . I stopped fighting for attention .
All images : © RACA Journal | Benjamin Brits
Samkelwa Xaba , initiator of the event .
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I July 2021 9