“Joining UP was part of my career development,” says Benedicta Mbele, materials planner in UP’s Department of Facilities Management, who tells Tukkievaria about her life before UP and what her duties at UP entail.

“I am grateful for the vast opportunities and experience I have received since I became involved in this field of work,” says Benedicta Mbele, materials planner in the Department of Facilities Management, who tells us more about her previous positions and current duties at UP.

Tell us about your origins and where you worked before joining UP.

I was born and raised in Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal. After matric, I studied towards a National Diploma in Industrial Engineering at the University of Johannesburg, from 2007 to 2009.

In 2010, I started working as a Computerized Numerical Control machine operator at Unilever in Durban while looking for an in-service training position. My responsibilities were to facilitate the safe operation of the machine in order to produce quality products. A year later, I took on a position as a trainee engineer at Richards Bay Minerals. My responsibilities were to maintain routings, and time and motion studies. I was also part of the Continuous Improvement team, where I assisted employees with presenting and implementing ideas that improved on the way things were done.

I furthered my studies in 2012, and obtained a B-Tech Industrial Engineering degree. The following year, I was employed by Grundfos, a pump solution company, as an engineer-to-order planner; I was responsible for the planning of materials and production execution, and for customised pumps and projects. In 2016, I joined Aveng Trident Steel as a coordinator for raw material preparation plant, logistics and production planning.

In June 2018, I joined UP as a materials planner. I am grateful for the vast opportunities and experience I have received since I became involved in this field of work.   

What attracted you to UP?

Joining UP was part of my career development. Also, I wanted to be in an environment where you are able to balance your work and personal life.

What does your day-to-day role entail?

My main task is to be the conduit among the Technical Services Department, Stores Services and suppliers, and ensure the requirements are timeously communicated to the parties concerned.

I also ensure that the necessary materials are available for planned maintenance and breakdowns, and identify potential suppliers of maintenance items. In situations where failures occur, I assist the maintenance team to identify the required replacement parts. I analyse workflow/material handling to make improvements and identify problems.

Additionally, I perform stocktaking and sampling duties. I determine buying/ordering needs based on requests and existing stock levels, and adjust these levels according to changed patterns of usage. I also submit requisitions to buyers to supplement stock according to the most economical quantities to be ordered.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

I enjoy analytical activities, reducing waste, seeing people working together to reach a common goal and having a satisfied customer, especially in emergency situations.

What is your least favourite part of the job?

Unfulfilled promises from suppliers – when materials are not delivered on time.

What do you do in your free time?

I exercise to keep healthy. I spend time with my family and relatives, and go to church. I also love reading to keep my mind active and to learn new things.

What are your personal likes and dislikes?

I like a healthy and safe working environment, and I like trying new things. I dislike people who are resistant to change, especially when it comes to continuous improvement to reach a company goal and customer satisfaction. I dislike people who promote tribalism and gender-based violence.

What would you like to improve in your section/department and why?

I would like the issuing process of material to be automated, to streamline processes and improve stock accuracy. I would also like to see an improvement in the current material process, where stock availability and replenishment quantities are instantly updated in the system after material has been issued from Stores.

Favourites:

Sport: Netball and running

Food: Meat

Movies: Tyler Perry movies, comedies and motivational movies

Actors: Gabrielle Union

Music: Gospel, R&B, house music and Afro pop

All-time heroes: Myles Munroe and my late parents

Author: Oratile Setshedi