2023 / 08 / 31
During August, which is Woman's Month in South Africa, we celebrated all of the ladies within EnviroServ who work tirelessly to help us Raise the Waste Game. In this month’s newsletter we asked a few of our female colleagues some questions about women in business and who their favourite female leaders are. Get to know them a little more closely with these profiles:
Nida Botha, EnviroServ National Human Resources Manager
What characteristics do women bring to business which men don’t?
Women bring balance, offer diverse perspectives and contribute in a unique way, as empathy, compassion and multi-tasking abilities often come more naturally, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
What are some of the things you admire about female leadership within EnviroServ?
Courage and resilience
Who is your favourite female leader?
I follow too many inspiring women to name just one. What attracts me most to these figures is their tenacity and courage in taking risks, and their ability to put themselves out there, showcasing their abilities and learning from their failures. They are also unapologetic about celebrating their successes. If you haven’t failed, you have never tried to be better.
Have you had a female mentor impact your career, and if so how?
During my career at EnviroServ, our Technical Director Esme Gombault in particular has mentored me, and given me many “tools” to understand myself better so that I can grow as a career woman as well as on a personal level.
What does Woman’s Month mean to you?
Too often, females’ contribution to their family lives, work and bigger society are taken for granted. Woman’s Month is an event that puts the spotlight on woman and their contribution to society.
Esme Gombault, EnviroServ Group Technical Director
What characteristics do women bring to business which men don’t?
Women and men bring different characteristics to the workplace and by embracing these differences we create stronger teams. Women are more comfortable managing emotions and the connection between how people feel and how they perform.
What are some of the things you admire about female leadership within EnviroServ?
Waste is not seen as a very appealing industry, but in spite of that we have a number of awesome women waste warriors!
Who is your favourite female leader?
If I had to choose just one, it would be South African jewellery designer Jenna Clifford. I love her life motto: "Passion for what you do and determination are key differentiators between people who are great and those who are average."
Have you had a female mentor impact your career, and if so how?
When I moved into a technical role in the waste industry 30 years ago, most women were choosing to work in the laboratory rather than on a landfill facility. Thea Nel was the Technical manager for EnviroServ at the time, and she was an incredible role model on how to survive in a traditionally male dominated industry. Her simple philosophy was: “Don’t limit yourself because you are a woman - just do the best job you can”.
What does Woman’s Month mean to you?
Celebrate being a woman, wear it with pride and live it with dignity.
Delia Lavarinhas, EnviroServ Group Marketing and Property Director EnviroServ
What characteristics do women bring to business?
Women bring a balance between work, family and social, giving time to create a balanced life. A healthy body and mind create an efficient and productive workplace. Woman offer empathy and understanding in a structured environment and are better able to deal with emotions than our counterparts.
What do you admire about female leadership within EnviroServ?
EnviroServ women display loyalty to their tribe. They deal with issues with an open mind and heart. They remain disciplined to their responsibilities and go over and above the call of duty at all times. EnviroServ women have passion for their jobs and the company.
Who is your favourite female leader?
Oprah Winfrey. She came from extreme poverty to become one of the most successful business women in the world. She shows extreme determination, individualism and compassion. She gives back so much to society and is never too proud to show her struggles which many women can relate to. Most of all, she has a great love for her family and her many dogs.
What does Woman’s Month mean to you?
It’s a month where we can reflect on the females in our lives that have given of themselves and appreciate the contribution we all make to society, as well as all other woman regardless of their role in society. We all play an important part.
Bianca Fearick, EnviroServ Head Legal Company Secretary
What characteristics do women bring to business which men don’t?
Women can remain focused on the bottom line while maintaining their innate ability to keep the human element in mind, specifically in relation to the ever-pressing balancing of competing priorities of work, family, spiritual and play.
What are some of the things you admire about female leadership within EnviroServ?
After having received a very warm welcome upon joining EnviroServ, the leaders have been so open about their experiences and happy to share the wealth of knowledge and industry specific information that they have gained. It is not always the case that women support other women in the business context, but EnviroServ’s female leaders have been a prime example of showing that there is space for us all at the table.
Who is your favourite female leader?
We are blessed to have a myriad of examples to lean into for inspiration and guidance. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, for example, exemplified that we can have it all. Our former Public Prosecutor Thuli Madonsela is also our own example of standing her ground and speaking truth to power, where despite much opposition and pressure she stood strong in maintaining her ethical line.
What does Woman’s Month mean to you?
Woman’s Month is a time of reflection on the wins and on the lessons, not only for myself, but the general strides women have made, It also shines a light on the immense work that is still to be done in so many spheres, where the proverbial glass ceiling may have been chipped or cracked but remains to be broken. It is also a chance for women to consciously reflect on what work each of us are doing to support other women in our circles. Whether we are holding the door open for the next female or whether we are slamming it in their faces. And finally, a reflection on how we are impacting the next generation of women.
Francina Makhubu, EnviroServ SHEQ officer in Secunda.
What characteristics do women bring to business which men don’t?
Great organisation and planning - Women are really good at organizing, as well as coming up with strong strategies and plans. It’s a cliché, but it’s true; women are great natural multi-taskers. They also bring balance and diversity to the workplace which is healthy for the creativity and success of your business. Women can bring different skills, dynamics and energy levels to a workplace.
What are some of the things you admire about female leadership within EnviroServ?
They are excellent communicators and empathetic listeners. To be as productive and profitable as possible, it is imperative to have strong communication within your team, third-parties and customers. They are team players, everyone works together to keep the business thriving and raise the waste game.
Who is your favourite female leader?
Wendy Luhabe is the most powerful and visionary businesswoman in the country as well as a social entrepreneur and author. Luhabe, who epitomises the self-made woman, has spent much of her career working to empower previously disadvantaged people, especially women.
What does Woman’s Month mean to you?
We celebrate countless women who have fought tirelessly and courageously for equality, justice and opportunity in our Nation.
What does it mean to you to be responsible for SHEQ within EnviroServ?
To ensure that my team complies with health and safety regulations, environmental regulations and quality control on site by reviewing, evaluating and analysing work environments and designing programmes and procedures to control, eliminate and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical and biological agents or ergonomic factors. We focus on staying safe.
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