41-year-old Karel Mabuye is one of Saint-Gobain Africa’s top performers who is being given ample opportunity to grow and develop as part of the team at the company’s state-of-the-art factory in Germiston. 

He has remained a loyal and dedicated employee since joining the company in his early 20s. Considering Mabuye’s potential to add even more value at the factory, he was recently encouraged to participate in the company’s adult education and training (AET) programmes. This is so that he would gain skills that would enable him to participate in more advanced workplace training programmes. Saint-Gobain Africa invests in quality AET from Triple E training for employees on a continuous basis. This voluntary training helps employees to develop their careers and grow as individuals inside and outside the world of work. 

Like so many South Africans, Mabuye grew up in a poor community and, therefore, did not have a chance to complete his basic education. This deprived him of an opportunity to gain critical basic skills. These include English literacy and numeracy, which are used in all facets of life. After completing AET Level 4 next year, Mabuye intends on working towards obtaining a National Senior Certificate as just one of many personal goals that he has set for himself over the short term.

Mabuye continues to excel in his training, also impressing his seniors, Rebone Biyela, Production and Warehouse Manager, and Anna Motsai, Production Foreman, with his newfound confidence communicating in English. This is especially when he insisted on being interviewed for a new position at the company in the language of business and learning. Bear in mind that Mabuya’s home language is Sepedi  and he, therefore, seldom communicates in English outside of the workplace. Yet, he was able to confidently answer all of the questions posed by interviewers and, in doing so, securing the promotion to Dryer Operator with flying colours. 

Throughout his career, Mabuye has been willing to learn new skills and take on additional work responsibilities. He also openly shares his knowledge and wealth of experience with co-workers so that they too can perform at their best. Many younger members of the team view Mabuye as a leader and therefore, regularly ask him for assistance and advice. His managers have identified his leadership potential. They have, therefore, provided him with opportunity to also gain valuable experience working in Quality Control and the laboratory as the next potential steps in his career.

Saint-Gobain Africa’s investment in quality AET also has a large positive impact on communities and society at large.  

For example, the knowledge that Mabuye has already attained having completed AET Levels 1 and 2 is also benefiting his family. “I am now able to help my children with their school subjects and inspire them to want to keep learning. This is based on my own respect and passion for education that I gained since participating in AET,” Mabuye, who is a father of four, says.

He thanks Julia Mtolo, Triple E Training’s Training Facilitator, for keeping him focused and motivated to want to succeed. “For me, it is important to first instil a passion for English literacy and numeracy among my learners. Once I have achieved this, half my job is already done because learners will have the grit and determination to complete the course – no matter how difficult it gets. Karel is determined and he will, therefore, achieve his goals,” Mtolo says. 

Nathaline Odelusi, Triple E Training’s Quality Assurance Manager, remains impressed with Saint-Gobain’s commitment to skills development. “Karel is a sound of example of the significant positive impact that workplace training can have on the lives of employees inside and outside the world of work – if done correctly,” Odelusi concludes.