“My everyday aim is to make people’s lives easier – that way, I get to impact lives and make a difference,” says Victoria Goitseone Lekhobe, access control officer in the Department of Security Services at UP

“Work hard, have fun and make history,” is the motto that Victoria Goitseone Lekhobe, access control officer in the Department of Security Services at UP, lives by. She tells us more about her present role and hope for the future.

What do you do on a daily basis?

I have been an access control officer since 2019. My daily duties include identifying and resolving issues with access control for UP personnel, students, contractors and visitors. I also report physical electronic/equipment defects as well as record weekly statistics of people who visit the University.

Tell us about your background.

It has always been second nature to me to interact and help people however I can. Growing up, I wanted to be a secretary – the sound of typing and the thought of administrative work excited me. I joined the University in 2014 as an administration officer. Later, in 2018, I saw a post for the job I now have and applied. I have a diploma in Management Assistance from Tshwane North College and I did a short course on customer service management. I found it important to improve my skills so I can be of excellent service.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

My everyday aim is to make people’s lives easier – that way I get to impact lives and make a difference. Sometimes I come across stranded people – someone might be coming for an interview and they are panicking. For me to be able to help that person and alleviate their worry is always a cherry on top. I get to be a changemaker.

What do you enjoy the least about your job?

When people are not understanding. Sometimes one may need a PIN code to access the premises and people are not always understanding of the processes in place, thereby making my job difficult, as I am seen as the “bad guy” for observing protocol.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

The students inspire me so much. I always see the younger me in them. They make me appreciate my job – the small talk I have with strangers and the lessons I pick up along the way. There is always something that someone will say or do that makes me appreciate working with people.

If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?

Because I love my job and I love working with people, there isn’t anything I would change. It is just the attitude people have towards my job; unfortunately, I have no control over that. I can only improve and excel as much as I can.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I wanted to be a secretary, and that dream has not died. It is still in me. I would like to be in the administration industry as a secretary. I love typing and doing administrative work.

Which quote do you live by?

Work hard, have fun and make history.