Page 31 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Rachael Gillespie

Major Shareholder of Rotacon Engineering a difference in someone’s life,” she said. “I love people, industry, they sometimes tend to look down on you,
and I have always been passionate about mentoring as if you do not know what you are talking about,” she
and upliftment. Through the success of the business, we admitted. “But I have always remained professional
achael Gillespie is the major shareholder are able to enrich the lives of others, and that is one of and just been myself. The results speak for themselves.
R of Rotacon Engineering, a proudly South my dreams that has been fulfilled.” It has proven that women can succeed in a male-
African mechanical engineering business
dominated industry.”
specialising in fabrication and machining. “Basically, we When speaking of her inspiration, Rachael’s gratitude
make components,” she explained. “Anything from small shines through. “I cannot say it is one person, because Under her leadership, Rotacon has made a deliberate
parts up to 16 tons. Our computer numerical control there are so many people around me who have effort to employ women in key roles. “I want women
(CNC) machinery capacity is what has really put us out inspired me,” she reflected. “My husband has given me to know that they can succeed in this industry,” Rachael
there, so we are able to supply any industry in Africa the opportunity to take the business to the next level emphasised. “My success in the business has proven
and beyond.” for the future. My family has also played a big part. that, and I hope it inspires others. I love empowering
My parents sacrificed a lot in their lives to give us an people, and that has been one of the most fulfilling
FROM RECEPTIONIST TO SHAREHOLDER
education. My father has passed away, but my mother parts of my journey.”
Rachael’s journey with Rotacon began almost three is still living and she has been a pillar of strength.”
decades ago, in 1996, though her connection to the Her advice to young women is simple but powerful.
Her siblings and extended family continue to motivate “Believe in yourself,” she urged. “Do not let the world
company runs even deeper. “I finished matric in 1994
her. “They have always believed in me,” she said. define who you are. Especially now, in the age we are
and started at Rotacon in 1996,” she recalled. “My father “Sometimes you think you cannot do the things you living in with technology, women often feel they have
actually worked for the business, and my twin sister
Leah was the receptionist at the time. She accepted want to do, but they have encouraged me along the to live up to a certain standard. My advice is just to be
another job at the sister company just so that I could way. I am very involved in my church, and my church yourself. Believe in yourself and know that you can do
have an opening at Rotacon.” family has been a huge encouragement, always giving anything you put your mind to.”
me guidance.”
Looking ahead, Rachael has clear goals for both her
What began as an administrative role soon grew into a
lifelong calling. “I started off as a receptionist in 1996, This love for people extends beyond her family and company and her personal mission. “The aim is for the
and in 2002, I became a shareholder,” she said proudly. congregation into the professional world. “Because business to diversify and to keep growing,” she said.
“From there, I learned more about the business and I love people, I have built close relationships with our “Through the business being financially successful, we
built myself up. In 2024, I became the major shareholder, customers and suppliers,” she explained. “Through that are able to uplift people who are less fortunate. That
holding 87 percent shares in Rotacon.” trust, we receive a lot of support, and that has really is my dream, to use the company as a platform to
helped the business.” empower people.”
Her rise through the company was not fuelled by formal
engineering qualifications but by determination and an Rotacon’s growth has been complemented by Rachael’s For Rachael, the heart of any organisation lies in its
unyielding commitment to excellence. “I do not hold a leadership and the company’s strong commitment people. “I believe that people are the biggest asset in
degree in engineering, so what I know today has come to transformation. “Since becoming the majority any business,” she said firmly. “Without our employees,
from working for 29 years in the business, learning the shareholder, we have achieved level one B-BBEE status, the business would not be where it is today.”
trade, and having a strong team around me,” she explained. which has helped the business tremendously,” she said.
“We do work for government, and with the current FINDING BALANCE
Rachael credits her achievements to ‘hard work, policies, that compliance is essential. Being a woman Despite her busy schedule, Rachael makes time for the
dedication, and the blessings of God’. She shared has also been an advantage in that space.” things that keep her grounded. “I love the outdoors,”
sincerely. “We are nothing without Him, so all glory she said with a smile. “I am a drone enthusiast, so I fly
belongs to Him.” EMPOWERING WOMEN my drone in my spare time. I spend a lot of time with
As a woman leading an engineering company, family and friends, and I am very involved in my church.
THE POWER OF PEOPLE
Rachael is acutely aware of the challenges that come I try not to take the business home, especially because
For Rachael, family has always been at the centre of with working in a traditionally male-dominated my husband is also in the business. We leave work at
everything. “My biggest dream has always been to make environment. “When you interact with men in this work and home is home.”

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