Page 64 - SAPREF 50 year

Lucia Govender, the first female to reach panel status for the SBM tanker discharge panel.
Reggie Nene, Team Leader
“I started at SAPREF as a trainee in 1997. The work is challenging,
and I learn from facing difficult situations most days — and I find that satisfying. SAPREF is particularly good at identifying talent among its people, and holding career development discussions with them. It’s good to know someone is guiding you in your career, and that your growth
and development is not a mystery. I think SAPREF pays well compared to other companies, and certainly they care for their people; in particular I commend the medical aid scheme, the Employee Assistance Programme, and the tertiary education benefits that we enjoy for our children.”
Jock Paul, Maintenance Co-ordinator:
1976-2010
“I enjoyed the camaraderie, working as a team and helping one another. I enjoyed getting up and coming to work because I knew it was not ‘my job’ but ‘our job’. Of course, the benefits were better than other companies too, but what I particularly enjoyed was the social soccer. We used to have inter-department tournaments; I was a bit of a ‘top dude’ when it came
to soccer, so I loved those games, and the friendships and spirit that were generated.”
Sibusiso Chiliza, Process Technician, Island
View
“What I particularly appreciate about SAPREF is that we go on a lot of different programmes, both internal and external, to develop our skills. There are also opportunities to move to other departments, which appeals to me. One could even be sent to university by SAPREF!”
Franco Forno, RHINO Project Mechanical Focal
Point
“I studied mechanical engineering and joined SAPREF 25 years ago — but my real passion was aviation. Early on, there were many development opportunities for me within SAPREF which were really exciting and these experiences were so interesting and fulfilling that I just could not let go of this new-found passion. During this time I have been involved with almost all major Turnarounds and in resolving most of the major incidents. And oh, I have not lost my enthusiasm for aviation — it is now a weekend pleasure rather than a career.”
Bavelile Hlongwa, Production Engineer, Island View
“SAPREF offers a lot to young engineers. There are almost no limits to what you can learn, it’s a busy work environment and one is exposed to different disciplines and tasks. It’s a stimulating environment, and I would say SAPREF offers more than other similar employers. When I joined the company, I found my colleagues particularly welcoming, and what really impressed me was that everyone, particularly the older guys, didn’t hold back on sharing their expertise. Another highlight for me is the quarterly Eye-to-Eye sessions with the Managing Director and Leadership Team; we get to hear first-hand from them, and of course we can also discuss any issues or ideas we might have directly with them.”
SAPREF: FUELLING SA FOR 50 YEARS
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