FROM TEA LADY TO FAMILY BUSINESS
MAVIS Ramaoto’s career transition has been remarkable – from serving her employers tea to working side-by-side with her husband.
For years, the 52-year-old was stuck in a miserable job as a “tea lady”, serving her employers tea at a panel-beating shop in Bloemfontein, Free State, and also cleaning the premises. For most of the day, Ramaoto found herself twiddling her thumbs at work.
Her male colleagues, realising that she could learn a thing or two, encouraged her to learn the trade in a field mostly dominated by men. Although hesitant at first, Ramaoto eventually decided to give it a try.
She learnt and eventually became a primer – her duties being to prepare coating on vehicles before they are resprayed.
That would be the beginning of a change in her life. “I worked for that company from 1990 until 2006. When I started, my duties were to make tea. I would spend several hours doing nothing and my salary was not good either,” Ramaoto said.
“My colleagues told me that I would end up going crazy because for the most part I did nothing at work. I would sit around watching them work until they asked me to work with them. Initially I was not interested, but I agreed and I am happy that I did.”
Illness forced Ramaoto to quit her job in 2006. But although she was struck down by her illness, she still had the most important asset – the knowledge she acquired from her time working at the company.
As soon as she was well again, she was back into the fray, only this time working with her husband Solomon from their Bophelong township home.
Their company, called Solly’s Panel Beaters, has now been in existence for 15 years.
She admitted that she has had to endure a few stares from other women when they see her doing her job.
“I suppose they are not used to women doing this type of job, but I would encourage women to do it.
“I recommended my sister to my previous employers and they taught her the job and she’s doing well now,” Ramaoto said.
On working with her husband of 33 years, Ramaoto said that, like at any other organisation, they had their off days.
“I enjoy working with him, but sometimes he yells at me when he feels that I have done something wrong,” she said with a laugh.
Solomon, a panel beater with 15 years experience, said he enjoyed working with his wife.
Free State MEC for economic and small business development Sam Mashinini said he would help the Ramaotos register their company and with buying equipment.