Turning Perceptions – Creating the perfect fit
Tsakani Mukhari inspires as the First Female Training Consultant at the SEIFSA Training Centre in Benoni.
Have you ever thought of changing your career to follow your passion? If only you had time?
The SEIFSA Training Centre’s Tsakani Mukhari, has made the time. Tsakani is a 36 year old mother from the outskirts of Limpopo who has taken the jump and landed on the stepping stone of her future. She has become the inspirational story for her family and friends by becoming an Artisan and launching her successful career in the industry. The SEIFSA Training Centre is proud to have played a part in her rise.
In the early 2000’s, Tsakani moved to Gauteng to complete her National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at the Tshwane University of Technology. In order to make ends meet her journey after University began as a Boom-Gate officer and as a cleaner in Pretoria. One day seemed to blur into the next. With very little motivation, she applied for various Mechanical Technician positions. Armed only with a National Senior Certificate from Nwamalobye High School and her National Diploma, Tsakani realised that in order to reach her full potential, she would have to complete her N3 certificate in Mechanical Engineering to make herself more competitive in the job market. With her goal on the horizon, she stayed focused and started an apprenticeship for a company associated with the SEIFSA Training Centre, where she was sent as a student to complete her Artisanship in 2012. Finally, Tsakani’s future had started to come together and the dream of becoming an Engineer and making her late father proud seemed to becoming closer by the day. “I will never look back after being a student at the SEIFSA Training Centre, and I encourage people of all different backgrounds to join,” said Tsakani. Four years later, she is a qualified Fitter and Turner, holds an N3 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering and has a Semi-Skilled Certificate in tool, jig and die-making. Above all, Tsakani was awarded Best Female Student in 2012. Today, she is the SEIFSA Training Centre’s first female Training Consultant. The Centre’s Director Desmond Uithaler says “Even with such a great achievement to her name, Tsakani continues to aim high”.
Get on the Artisan career path today
The SEIFSA Training Centre allows for, “a positive learning experience”, explained Tsakani. “Although the work is challenging at times, the confidence in my work and in myself has grown”. Some of her daily responsibilities include: intensive research, preparing monthly schedules for her classes; and conducting both theoretical and practical examinations completed by her students. Whilst her duties at the Centre keep her extremely busy, Tsakani is also currently completing her Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) in Mechanical Engineering, in hopes to one day become a qualified Mechanical Engineer. In addition to all of this, Tsakani wishes to pursue a career in Project Management and Operations by using her flair for scheduling and processes.
Tsakani is part of the rise of the female artisan around the world and the SEIFSA Training Centre currently has more than 40 female students training to become Electricians, Fitters, Turners and Boilermakers. Tsakani’s years of experience in the industry as a student and now as a training consultant, tells potential female artisans to, “Stay focused and do it with passion”.
The demand for artisans is growing with every day. Yet, there is a shortage of artisans in South Africa. Since woman make up 51% of the South African population, younger woman should consider joining the industry to alleviate the chronic unemployment problem. Future artisans, especially women should know that there is a vast spectrum of possibilities in the industry and anyone with an open mind-set can achieve success if they grab the opportunity with both hands just as Tsakani has done.
From cleaning offices at a local police station to becoming SEIFSA Training Centre’s first female instructor, Tsakani is a stellar example for others with similar aspirations. Clearly, the world is her oyster and we, at SEIFSA, cannot wait to see her next move.
Trisha Itchu
Marketing Intern
