Youth Month in South Africa is more than a commemoration, it is a celebration of the strength, resilience, and potential of the country’s young people. Bühler honours this spirit by spotlighting three rising stars who are shaping the future of the business. From engineering to finance to operations, their stories are a testament to growth, innovation, and purpose.
Danica Pillay, Quotations Specialist, MEA Region
Danica did not originally see herself in the manufacturing or engineering space. Coming from a medical background, she describes her current career as one that “chose her.” But with curiosity and determination, she has found her place at Bühler.
“I grabbed the opportunity to grow within Bühler because I am always up for learning and applying myself,” she says. What keeps her motivated is knowing she contributes to something much bigger, namely Bühler’s impact on global food and feed security.
Danica admits that in the beginning, the sheer amount of information and processes was daunting. But as theory turned into practice, she began to find clarity. A recent highlight for her was representing the MEA Quotations Hub during a customer visit to Dubai, an achievement that reflects her growing confidence and competence.
With her wedding on the horizon this June, Danica reflects on Youth Month as a time to appreciate the past and strive for a future built on opportunity. “Young people bring a dynamic approach and digital fluency,” she notes. “We help refine processes and improve efficiency.”
She credits Bühler with encouraging her development and inspiring her through the success stories of her colleagues. Her message to the youth: “Focus on the end goal but work backwards. Strengthen yourself mentally and emotionally so you can meet life’s challenges with resilience and trust the plan that God has for you.”
Faith Magubane, Junior Finance Business Partner
For Faith, numbers have always made sense. She discovered her love for accounting back in high school, and it quickly became her professional calling. However, her deeper motivation stems from something more personal, namely her son.
“Being a young mother pushed me to want a better life for him,” she says. That drive has propelled her through significant career milestones, including a fast-track promotion from Trainee to Junior Finance Officer within just a year. Faith recalls the early challenge of breaking out of her shell and sharing ideas in a professional setting.
“With the help of my work environment and managers, I was exposed to different perspectives. That helped me grow confident and find my voice.” Youth Month, she says, is about remembrance and empowerment. “Without the sacrifices of those who came before us, I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I have today.”
Faith sees young professionals as a source of innovation and fresh energy. “We bring modern approaches to problem-solving and a vibrant energy that aligns with Bühler’s values.” She’s especially proud of the support she’s received through Bühler’s EPM programme and study funding, both of which have been instrumental in her growth.
To the youth of South Africa, she offers this encouragement: “Embrace your role as a change agent. Keep learning, build your skills, and invest in your community. Setbacks do not define you, just keep moving forward.”
Kyle Maritz, Trainee Mechanical Engineer
Engineering was a natural fit for Kyle, driven by an early fascination with how things work and how they can be made better. For him, it is the perfect blend of creativity and logic, tools for solving real-world problems and improving lives.
“What keeps me motivated is the opportunity to keep learning and contributing to something bigger than myself,” says Kyle. “Engineering is constantly evolving, and that keeps it exciting.” His biggest early challenge was adapting to the complexity and pace of engineering studies and overcoming the self-doubt that came with it. But with persistence and a willingness to ask for help, Kyle grew into the role. Now, working at Bühler at a young age is one of his proudest achievements.
For Kyle, Youth Month is about voice and value. “It’s a reminder that my ideas and struggles matter. It’s about hope, change, and growth for my generation.” He believes young people play a vital role in shaping the future of engineering and manufacturing. “We bring adaptability, digital fluency, and innovative thinking. It’s how we build sustainable progress for the long term.”
At Bühler, Kyle has found mentorship, learning opportunities, and a culture that encourages initiative. “The support here has helped me gain both confidence and clarity in my career.” He leaves fellow young South Africans with the timeless words of Nelson Mandela: “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”
Looking Ahead
The journeys of Danica, Faith, and Kyle reflect the importance of investing in young professionals, not just for their personal development, but for the growth and evolution of companies like Bühler. As we celebrate Youth Month, we are reminded of the vital role young minds play in shaping a better, more innovative, and inclusive future.
