David Tavendale

GO to any lighting function in Johannesburg and you will find a group of young men who are the ‘life and soul' of the party; and, in the middle of that happy group you will most likely see David Tavendale, operations director for Genlux Lighting.
David, who has been in the family business for 16 years, has had to work his way up from the bottom and learn the business ‘the hard way'.

Sparks: Where were you educated?
DT: I started off at Bryandale Primary School until my father got transferred to Swaziland. There I went to Mhlampanyatsa Primary School for the last two years of primary school, and attended Waterford Kamhlaba in Mbabne for the first year-and-a-half of high school. I was then sent off to boarding school in Nelspruit (Lowveld High School) for a year. When my parents left Swaziland and moved back to Johannesburg, I completed high school at Ferndale High School in Randburg, after which I went to Johannesburg Technical College.

Sparks: How long have you been involved in the electrical industry?
DT: I've been in the industry ever since I left college 16 years ago.
Sparks: When and where did you start your career?
DT: I started my career at Genlux Lighting, working in the factory during strikes, then started full time at Genlux Lighting in the factory as an assembler.

Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years?
DT: The greatest change I have seen over the years is with compact fluorescent lamps. We did not make any compact fluorescent fittings 16 years ago, yet today they are a major part of our product range. LEDs have definitely come a long way and I even use LEDs in my house, but I believe it will still take a while before people understand the concept of using LEDs at a higher installation cost but save over the long term.
Sparks: What major projects have you worked on and what is your greatest accomplishment?
DT: My position itself is a lifelong project! I find it gratifying to work with a team helping everyone to succeed and accomplish our dreams.
Sparks: Have you won any awards?
DT: None yet... but I will have to keep trying and hoping

Sparks: Who has been your inspiration or have you had a mentor who has influenced your career?
DT: My inspiration has come mainly from my parents, with whom I still work. I am where I am today because of their drive and ambition - and their vision and foresight.
Sparks: What, to your mind, is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry at this time?
DT: Firstly, I would say the low productivity of the work force, which causes imports to become more favourable; and the reluctance within the industry to change to new technologies.

Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job?
DT: Seeing our products in the market is a big motivator for me!
Sparks: How do you motivate your staff?
DT: By showing appreciation. A sincere ‘thank you' when someone has done well goes a long way.
Sparks: If you could "do it all again", would you change anything? If so, what would that be?
DT: The same applies in my career as it does in life - there are many things I would do differently. However, I also believe that one of the reasons we are here is to learn from our mistakes and become the best we can at what we do.
Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school to enter the electrical industry? And why?
DT: Yes, it a challenging industry, full of energy (no pun intended!). There is always something new. I have met many great people in the lighting industry and I would definitely encourage people to consider a career in this industry.

Sparks: What is your advice to electrical contractors and/or electrical engineers?
DT: Do not base decisions to buy products on price only - consider quality, too. And do not just install a light and not care if it will still be working in six month's time, just because it's a job. Do it correctly and with the long term in mind.
Sparks: What is your favourite quote?
DT: "This is Genlux - make a plan!"
Sparks: Name three things on your ‘bucket list' (things you want to do before you ‘kick the bucket').
DT: This is a difficult one as I have never really thought about it... And, after thinking about it, they would be: Retire happy with the one I love; spend New Year in New York; and see the Great Wall of China.