THE Bosch Rexroth South Africa Group of Companies is Africa’s largest fluid power and automation company, and is committed to social investment and the advancement of all its employees, breaking down barriers to create a diverse and dynamic workplace.
Women’s Day presents a great opportunity for the Group to introduce three formidable females from the Bosch Rexroth SA team.
Louise Kleingeld, Branch Manager: Hytec Rustenburg
Kleingeld’s career trajectory from receptionist to branch manager is defined by her tenacity. “I got very frustrated with myself because I could not attend to the customers’ technical requirements and found the mining environment so interesting that I just had to know more,” she says. Becoming the Branch Manager for Hytec Rustenburg and empowering 32 employees, is a career highlight. “It’s empowering, being noticed as a candidate who could advance into more senior positions within the Group”.
Establishing herself as an authority in the hydraulics profession did not come without its fair share of challenges. Kleingeld describes how customers initially did not trust her. “I kept on working as I hard as I could until I gained their trust and respect. With the help of training courses, I learned to be assertive and to listen, especially. This helped me gain the confidence I needed to make this venture a success. If you have confidence in your product and in your solutions, nothing can stand in your way”.
Leyla Retief, Project Engineer: Hytec South Africa
Retief was always drawn to mathematics and science, which enable our understanding of how things work. Mechanical Engineering was the obvious field of study and once qualified, Retief pursued a role in the hydraulics sector. “My role as a Project Engineer at Hytec SA, the specialist hydraulics company within the Bosch Rexroth SA Group, was the starting point to my career. I think that in itself is a great achievement,” she says.
While Retief is still relatively new to the field of hydraulics, she constantly seeks to learn about new applications and designs, developing her knowledge. “Anyone can make a great hydraulic specialist by paying special attention to detail and focusing on the bigger picture. If we continue to give women chances, they will excel in any field that they are passionate about,” she concludes.
Michelle Bruwer, Branch Manager: Hytec Mogalakwena
Bruwer began her hydraulics career when she joined Hytec in 2016. “Where I am today is my greatest professional achievement. The only way to do great work is to love what you do,” she comments.
Bruwer notes that misconceptions about the hydraulics industry may have played a role in making it a male-dominated sector. In addition, hydraulics careers were not deemed socially acceptable for women. “I think that this has changed over the past few years. Women are being empowered by other women, and changing mindsets about what women are capable of doing,” she says. By working hard to prove themselves, women can overcome the challenges faced when they were undermined.
Kleingeld, Retief and Bruwer demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence, the pursuit of partnerships and a drive to make the Bosch Rexroth South Africa Group of Companies Africa’s leading fluid power and automation company.
