KSB Pumps and Valves appoints first female field service specialist
FROM the shop floor to the global arena has been a sharp learning curve for Osedza Tshifhango, who recently became the first female field service specialist within the worldwide operations of KSB Pumps and Valves, a company employing over 16 000 people globally.
Field service has long been a male-dominated space, requiring long shifts, extensive travel, and the physical and technical stamina to repair complex pump systems under pressure. These challenges, however, were exactly what attracted Osedza, a qualified artisan and former bench technician, to the role. Known for handling complex builds and delivering reliable results, she was soon identified as a strong candidate for field service.
“From the beginning, I wanted to prove myself through my work. If men can do it, there’s no reason I can’t,” Osedza says. “It’s not an easy role, especially with a family, but if I want to grow, I have to take the challenges in my stride.”
Former field service manager Craig Hawkins, who mentored her, says she displayed all the qualities needed: “She was always dedicated, eager to learn, and a step ahead. Knowledge is power, and she never stopped pushing herself.”
The role demanded serious consideration: strenuous hands-on labour, heavy lifting, technical tasks, overnight work, and extensive travel. After discussing it with her family, Osedza accepted the challenge.
Thriving under pressure
A year in, she has excelled under demanding conditions, working 24-hour shifts and even over Christmas to bring critical pumps back online. While some clients were initially surprised to see a woman on-site, they were quickly reassured by her competence. “Feedback has been incredible,” says Hawkins. “Customers are gobsmacked to see a woman matching the guys skill for skill. Respect soon follows.”
Balancing her career with raising two children, Osedza says her family’s support keeps her motivated. “My children are proud of what I do, and that motivates me a lot,” she says. Her appointment paves the way for more women to take on field service roles at KSB in South Africa and beyond, proving that pump maintenance demands skill, not stereotypes.
She holds an N6 certificate in electrical engineering, an N4 in mechanical engineering, and boiler-making qualifications. She continues to grow her expertise through the KSB Academy, which offers more than 400 modules across mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation fields.
Future ambitions
Looking ahead, Osedza aims to become a manager and possibly run a depot or department. “The more you learn, the more confident you are on-site. There are days you’re exhausted, but when the equipment runs again and the customer is satisfied, it’s worth it,” she says.
Hawkins believes her ambitions are achievable: “She’s already shown the ethic and leadership required. With her quiet determination and hard work, she has what it takes.”
