A woman of steel

For the Scaw Metals Group’s computer training instructor, Bathabile Mosala, being a teacher was something she always dreamt about and aspired to be.

“What I have come to realise during my tenure at Scaw, while working in the training department, is that there’s always a need for one to upgrade one’s skills and knowledge,” she said.

“For me, this means that I have to study constantly to be a step ahead of the students.

“I enjoy the challenges that my job brings; it enables me to meet new people, conduct my training sessions and see the necessary results.

“I am motivated to do more when I see improvement from the students.

“These students come to the computer class without any computer knowledge and they leave as different people after training.”

Born and raised in Dube Village, Soweto, Mosala was the youngest of four siblings and the only daughter of her doting parents, Gladys and the late Sello Mosala.

True to her name, which means “Happy”, Mosala describes herself as a spirited, compassionate woman with an enquiring mind and a thirst for knowledge.

She began her schooling at Sizanani Primary School, progressing to Vukayibambe Higher Primary School and finally completing Grade 12 at Langlaagte Technical High School.

Mosala later attended Innovation Business School, where she completed a computer course and achieved outstanding results.

Having been identified for her potential and dedication, she was then employed by the school as a computer tutor for two years.

Seeking a change of environment, Mosala registered her curriculum vitae (CV) with a recruiting agency and received and accepted temporary assignments at various companies, including Donn Products, Comair and Johnson Matthey.

In 2001, she was assigned to Scaw Metals as an engineering clerk, once again proving her mettle through her diligence and dedication.

She was permanently appointed by Scaw Metals in July 2002.

But she didn’t stop there; consistent delivery and achievement saw Mosala climb steadily up the ranks to production administrator in 2004 and to Scaw’s computer training instructor in 2005.

Seeing this as her opportunity to finally realise her childhood dream of being a teacher, Mosala registered with Unisa for a diploma in human resource management, to build a solid educational foundation and maximise the value she adds to the lives of her trainees.

Mosala recognised the important role training plays in the development of skilled labour within the mining and metalwork industries.

“At Scaw Metals, our motto is being about more than just steel, great emphasis is placed on our people and their development; for a company to be outstanding, skilled labour is needed,” she said.

Along with her career aspirations of progressing into the role of a training consultant within the next five years, Mosala also demonstrates a passion for gender equality in the workplace.

“Women need to be upskilled and given opportunities to balance gender inequality in the metal industry,” she said.

“Women at Scaw Metals are encouraged and supported to work towards their career aspirations, no matter how difficult, unconventional or impossible they seem.”

When asked about her greatest achievement at Scaw, a proud Mosala said: “My greatest achievement was when we obtained the accreditation through MICT Seta to offer computer training to the employees and playing my role in Scaw’s latest and most unique achievement of obtaining CESA accreditation for our Haggie Steel Wire Rope product training course.”

According to Mosala the key ingredient to a successful career is choosing something you enjoy doing.