THE POWER OF ONE… SO LET’S PULL TOGETHER
There is something to be said about standing up and being counted – especially in this day and age of “grey”. Of late every word you utter may cause offence or an argument, and that’s why I love to highlight those who truly make a difference instead of choosing to be popular in anonymity.
Passion is a gift given to us. It is an amazing tool to drive us forward and inspire others in a positive trajectory. It is the cousin of integrity, excellence, and humility. Meeting passionate people is fantastic for the soul! You just want to be better and achieve more when someone inspires you.
When our headlines state that over R208 billion is “missing” due to unauthorised expenditure and every department you look at that is run by government is broken, from energy to education, it’s about time we came alongside those who swim against the tide of apathy and self-enrichment, as they continue to do an exceptional job. A simple thank you, and how can I help, is what is needed to make our industry and country turn the corner of stagnated decay to life.
Within the collision repair industry, we are blessed with many people, young and seasoned, and of various cultures, who are a driving force. Despite facing opposition against closed mindsets, they keep moving forward. They toil away every day in the hope of making a difference. I’d like to reassure them, that they are indeed doing just that! Put paid to the little voice that says you aren’t.
One example is Busisiwe Maile. She is a woman with an enormous vision to establish a skilled workforce, that not only benefits the industry, but also uplifts society as a whole – one person at a time. We met Busi at NF Apprentices, at this organisation’s inception. She, and Eddie da Silva – another motivated stalwart – understood that tackling training was a must, as the platforms on offer were out of date in their syllabi and were already failing to produce the quantity and quality artisans that this market needs.
Having established the company and their relationships they needed for longevity, she moved from Gauteng to Bloemfontein to head the team at C3 Autobody Repair Academy. Along with an equally inspired team, they have made great inroads in upskilling a new workforce. Their most recent pilot project has seen their first 22 learners graduate after their initial segment of training. The second intake are already hard at work.
One of the women spoke at the event about her first day at work after completing her initial course. Was it the warmest of welcomes? Not quite. “What are you doing here?” were the words that greeted her. “I’m here to spray,” she replied. She was asked to spray the panel in the booth and then they would see about it. Once she had completed her task, there was a rather stunned silence and a sheepish swallowing of words, as her skills were brilliant. The company now can’t say enough about her and the excellent work she produces. In that moment I bet she was terrified and filled with self-doubt. But instead of backing down, she persevered. A little faith in herself has seen her achieve what she has set out to do so far. I’m sure there is much more in store…
Moving through the doors of closed mindsets in this market is difficult, but necessary. Progress is slow going, but achievable. As with most things in life, you need to find the right person for the job. However, there are many factors getting in the way of this. Standing behind legislation that reads great on paper but is hindering progress isn’t the way forward. It helps inept idiots enrich themselves at the exclusion of others, and this gravy train needs to stop its journey! As a people, we should demand more and find creative ways around attitudes that benefit so few.
You only need to help one person at a time. You can’t do it all alone or all at once, although you wish you could. Many small actions contribute to large change. Just roll-up your sleeves and give it a go! If it doesn’t work out, you will learn along the way and as the saying goes, “If at first you don’t succeed, try again”. Will it be easy? No. Will it be worth it? Absolutely.
We cannot keep circling the drain as a failed state. Our rainbow nation deserves the best and we are absolutely capable of achieving it together. We are waiting for change. But as Mahatma Gandhi so aptly said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
By Claire Macfie
