Women’s Month: UCT staff make giant strides in male-dominated industry

If you assumed that the maintenance department had a male figure at the helm, you wouldn’t be the only one. That’s just how many humans are wired.

Yet, we all know that women can lead in male-dominated industries too, and the University of Cape Town (UCT) is leading the way. Did you know that three women head the university’s maintenance units – a crucial arm of the Properties & Services department? Their job is to ensure that campus remains a comfortable space for students, staff and visitors alike and that when a pipe bursts or a globe malfunctions, even during the wee hours of the morning, there’s a team on hand to get the job done.

This Women’s Month, UCT News spoke to the women who scaffold a large group of men across UCT’s campuses, including painters, plumbers and electricians. We asked them about their job and what it entails, what it’s like working in a male-dominated industry, and whether hard hats and steel toe boots are in fact part of their daily dress code.

Zatoen April – area maintenance manager, upper campus

“My day starts with a cup of coffee and some music to get me in the groove, and things get real from there on. My responsibilities include providing an effective and efficient maintenance service, managing planned and unplanned maintenance, inspections, as well as audits and resource management.

“A single day is filled with a list of demands – from signing off quotations to dealing with emergencies. We are currently spearheading a floor replacement project in the historic Sarah Baartman Hall. This requires daily check-ins with the team to evaluate the progress and to move swiftly when challenges crop up. We have a tight deadline, so, it’s all hands on deck and we bring our A-game. Every day is different and brings forth its own challenges and opportunities, which I absolutely love because it’s so unpredictable. I really don’t have a boring job. Yes, I wear a hard hat and steel toe boots, but only when the situation warrants it, like during new construction or demolition projects.

“For me, what’s important is to show your colleagues respect, irrespective of their gender, and to get to know them.”

“In my opinion, as a woman in a male-dominated industry, you will be undermined, and you will feel undervalued. It comes with the territory. However, it’s a lot better now compared to years ago when I started out. For me, what’s important is to show your colleagues respect, irrespective of their gender, and to get to know them. That’s how they start respecting you too. I also always ask for my colleagues’ buy-in. I don’t just make decisions. They appreciate that. For women out there who are keen on taking up a career in an industry like this, do it! Be your authentic self, ask questions and be open to learning from others. Don’t hold back.”

Matholi Hlophe – area maintenance manager, lower campus and other campuses

“Any given day is chock-a-block. I’m responsible for planning, coordinating, managing and directing all maintenance operations across lower [campus] and other campuses. This comprises 60 academic, administrative and auxiliary facilities, which covers approximately 180 000 m².

“I usually divide my day into three categories: the mornings are reserved for brief meetings with the facilities team to review the day’s tasks and address urgent issues; in the afternoons I make time for administrative tasks, review budgets and expenditures, and make sure that our facilities operate within the required financial parameters. Towards the end of the day, I compile reports on the day’s activities, highlight incidences and plan for the next day.

“I love that my job has so many layers attached to it, from strategic planning to hands-on maintenance. It keeps me on my toes. The new technologies out there and how we use these on site also help to keep me relevant and contribute to my personal growth and development, which is great. To do this job well, I think you definitely need to be adaptable. You also need problem-solving and communication skills that are second to none because there’s always so much happening.

“I’d say continuous improvement is essential to stay ahead in this field. It reinforces authority and earns respect from your peers. To the women out there, always remember your worth. You are the same capable, deserving, valuable individual as your male counterparts. You have the power to make a significant impact in male-dominated industries and professions.”

Zakithi Zwane – area maintenance manager, campus residences

“I’m also responsible for planning, coordinating, managing and directing all maintenance and operations activities, but for the university’s residences and commercial kitchens. I manage all maintenance projects and programmes that form part of the department’s strategic plan. This includes various maintenance, renovation and refurbishment projects.

“Because I’m responsible for residences, which are 24-hour facilities, I’m often required to be available at odd times of the night and even on weekends and public holidays, in case of emergencies. Our residences are between  three and 133 years old, so there’s a lot to do on any given day. However, because buildings are that old and come with heritage status, it’s not always easy to maintain and upgrade. This adds a whole new level of complexity to the job. But we always endeavour to overcome the hurdles. I love that the main function of my job is to ensure that our residences are a comfortable, safe and sustainable living environment for our students. And if they’re comfortable in their campus home, knowing I played a part in that is fulfilling and makes it all worthwhile.

“Don’t let your gender hold you back from achieving your goals.”

“I often feel undervalued and undermined in my work, but over time I’ve developed strategies to deal with that. I’m confident in my capabilities and my work speaks for itself. That’s more than enough for me. Women, especially young women out there who are mapping their career paths, need to understand that it’s high time we move beyond gender-based roles in the workplace. What matters is competency and skillset. Don’t let your gender hold you back from achieving your goals. As I always say, you have zero control of how others perceive you. So, you might as well be the person you want to be.”