No brakes on road to the top for ex-driver
Madela Alfred Makhubo is the operational manager at Tip-Top Milk
Tell me about your job as the operational manager and what you do at work.
I manage all the logistical parts of the business, training and managing the company’s fleet of more than 80 drivers. It’s very challenging because I work with all the Tip-Top Milk drivers daily and make sure they all obey the company rules and follow the farmers’ procedures.
What do you think makes you good at your job?
The support and guidance I receive from management at Tip-Top Milk helps make me good at my job.
What part of your job would you rather not do?
I enjoy all of it — there is no part of my job that I don’t like doing.
Tell me about the journey you have taken from security guard to operational manager.
I was a security officer working for the security company Diligence for 10 years. To become a driver I needed a code 14 driving licence. One of the suppliers to Tip-Top Milk told me he would help me once I had the licence.
I started at Tip-Top Milk in January 2015 as a driver. Later, I was promoted to the role of controller, then fleet tracking manager, then milk planning manager, and now I am the operational manager.
When I started working at Tip-Top I gave myself a target that in two years I would be one of the managers. To achieve this, I learnt to follow the company rules, take responsibility and assist where necessary, because one day I want to see myself as one of the owners.
How has being a security guard and driver helped you to be a better manager?
It has helped me a lot. I used to work with people every day so I learnt how to deal with people and to calm them if they were angry or not feeling well. Learning how to manage people in various situations is essential in my job.
What advice do you have for people wanting to improve their career options?
Whatever you are doing, take it seriously. Respect the job you have and grab it with both hands.
I want to inspire young people to learn from my story.
Young people need to understand that a career starts by taking the small opportunities you are offered seriously. Never give up on something you really want. It’s difficult to wait, but worse to regret.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I wanted to be a doctor so that I could help sick people. I wanted to become a doctor after losing my father at a young age — it is hard to grow up without a father.