From the shop floor to the global arena has been a sharp learning curve for KSB Pumps and Valves’ Osedza Tshifhango who recently became the first female field service specialist within the entire global footprint of KSB’s giant operation employing more than 16 000 employees across the globe.
Field service has traditionally been a male-dominated environment demanding long shifts, extensive travel and the physical and technical stamina to repair complex pump systems in operational conditions and often under severe pressure. Yet, these were exactly the challenges that initially drew the lightly built and feminine bench technician to the position.
Having joined KSB as a qualified artisan Osedza had been working on both standard and engineered pump assemblies where she had gained a reputation for handling complex builds and delivering reliable results before being singled out for the field services position.
Hard work
“From the beginning I wanted to prove myself through my work and to me it doesn’t really matter that I am a woman because if men can do it there is no reason why I wouldn’t be able to do it either. Although it is not an easy role, especially with a family, I know if I want to grow I have to take the challenges in my stride,” Osedza says.
KSB Pumps and Valves veteran and the previous field service manager, Craig Hawkins, says despite her quiet and reserved nature she showed all the hallmarks of being a good field services specialist. As a result, he actively encouraged her to move onto the road. “I saw true value in Osedza’s abilities and she was always a step ahead, dedicated and not afraid to ask questions. Knowledge is power and she wanted to keep learning and moving forward.”
With all the hard work and the acquired skills during her time in the workshop Osedza was offered the position and made aware that the transition would require careful consideration considering that a KSB Field service specialist job involves hands on labour at times with heavy lifting and strenuous tasks. In addition there would be technical and overnight work, extensive travel and direct responsibility for equipment uptime among other equally demanding duties. Shortly after the offer was made, having mulled the decision over and after consulting her family, Osedza was keen to begin and accepted the offer.
Happy clients
“Now a year into the new role Osedza is performing well. She has more than proven her ability under demanding conditions and is unflinching when confronted with any task including 24-hour shifts and even working over Christmas to bring critical pumps back online. This is also reflected in our clients’ responses where some were initially surprised to see a woman arrive on site they were soon put at ease once they realised how adept she is at doing her work under any conditions. She knows what she is doing and the respect soon follows. In fact, feedback from customers has been incredible. They are gobsmacked to see a woman matching the guys skill for skill in what has thus far been a male dominated job,” says Craig.
Osedza balances her career with raising two children who are also supported by her family. “My children are proud of what I do and that motivates me a lot,” she says. Her appointment opens the way for more women to join the ranks of field service specialists within KSB Pumps and Valves in South Africa, as well as for the global group and proves that the toughest jobs in pump maintenance demand skill not stereotypes.
Osedza holds an N6 certificate in electrical engineering, N4 mechanical engineering and boiler making qualifications and is actively building her expertise through the KSB Academy which offers more than 400 modules across mechanical, electrical and instrumentation fields relating to pumps, valves and pumping systems.
Future plans
Looking ahead, she has her sights set higher. “In future I would like to be a manager and possibly run a department or a depot. People like Craig within the organisation, as well as on the job learning and formal courses through our own Academy have helped my career tremendously and I believe that the more you learn the more confident you are on site. There are days when you’re exhausted but when the equipment runs again and the customer is satisfied it’s worth it,” she says.
Craig believes that her goals are realistic. “She’s already shown the ethic and leadership that is required and with her quiet determination and willingness to work hard, she definitely has what it takes.
