WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

Sue - If you don’t try you will never succeed – be open to all opportunities. Don’t take things personally, people have good days and bad days and their reactions are not a reflection of you.
Lungi - Grab the opportunity and never be afraid to ask for help.
Unathi - Never regret failure. Instead look at it as an opportunity to push your career further ahead.
Sello - Work hard. Be exceptional and professional and always add

"Work hard. Be exceptional and professional and always add value to the organisation and to your colleagues."
Sello Libusha, Switchboard Operator, Murray & Roberts Corporate Office

WHAT CAREER MILESTONES ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF HAVING ACHIEVED?

Bongi - I successfully completed my certificate in Business Administration Level 2 and 3.
Sue - I’m proud of having been an employee of Murray & Roberts for so long. I started as a temp 12 years ago and in August 2017, I will have been permanent for 11 years!
Lebo - I am proud of being a professional receptionist at a well-recognised company like Murray & Roberts. My job allows me to keep on learning as there are so
many different types of people we interact with.
Lungi - Working for Murray & Roberts Construction was my first job. All the people I worked with in my department positively influenced me by giving me opportunities to
gain experience.
Unathi - I achieved my Certificate in Marketing Management.
Florence - I enjoy working at Murray & Roberts. I started as tea lady and now I am a switchboard operator. You have to learn to stand on your own feet, contribute and
carry your own weight and I am very proud of what I‘ve achieved.
Sello - I am proud of being a team leader and senior switchboard operator.

"Never regret failure. Instead look at it as an opportunity to push your career further ahead"
Unathi Amadi, Client Service Consultant, Murray & Roberts Corporate Office

WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OR EXCITING EXPERIENCES AND WHY?

Bongi - I love our Wellness Days and in 2015 I won a Virgin Active sports bag!
Sue - Last year I had the opportunity to visit Cape Town for the first time in my life. It was a fantastic holiday! I was able to travel up Table Mountain, view all the beautiful places that we all take for granted and enjoy this phenomenal trip with my sister.
Lungi - We got the chance to visit Kusile and it was very valuable to see what happens on our project sites.
Florence - When I started as a switchboard operator, I was very excited as well as a bit nervous because I had never worked on a switchboard before. Now I aim to deliver
the best service that I can to our clients and customers.
Sello - I was very happy to receive my five year long service award from Murray & Roberts last year. It is also fulfilling to assist our clients with their many different requests for
information.


WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE?

Bongi - I love to sing and dance and to socialise with my friends and family.
Sue - I am part of a CANSA fundraising charity; I enjoy walking and do the Parkruns on weekends; I enjoy reading, movies and spending time with family and friends.
Lebo - My passion is baking and doing my best to be a well groomed mother, wife and spiritual leader. l also enjoy going out with friends and family.
Lungi - I love to spend time with my family and friends.
Unathi - I enjoy meeting and talking with new people, there is always something new to learn from them.
Florence I enjoy visiting my friends and family as well as going to church and listening to gospel music.


WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM?

Sue - Some clients can be difficult at times, however, I have learnt to not take things personally and just breathe.
Lebo - In our front-line role, we sometimes have to deal with bad tempers and complaints, which is sometimes stressful. It is important to maintain good service regardless as we are the face and reputation of Murray & Roberts. In order to overcome these challenges, we regularly receive training to better manage customer services.
Unathi - Part of the job involves handling difficult customers. I try not to take things personally and always keep control of myself.
Florence - Working on a busy switchboard and talking telephonically with a variety of people with different attitudes is challenging but interesting at the same time. It is important to work as a team, stay motivated and to keep each other’s spirits up.
Sello - Very high call volumes, disrespectful clients, and language barriers are some of the challenges in our role. I manage these challenges by being focused and professional, maintaining a high energy level while remaining calm and not being affected personally when clients are frustrated.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT 2017?
Bongi - It’s a new beginning and an opportunity to do things differently, hopefully to be better off financially and to be healthy. I hope as a Group we win more projects.
Sue - It’s a new beginning, a new season, a chance to turn over a new leaf, accept new challenges and embrace new opportunities.
Lebo - There are new opportunities to look forward to. I have completed my Receptionist and PA Administrator course and look forward to working towards a Certificate in Office Management this semester.
Lungi - I look forward to completing my Certificate in Marketing Management.

"I started as tea lady and now I am a switchboard operator. You have to learn to stand on your own feet, contribute and carry your own weight and I am very proud of what I’ve achieved."
Florence Shibambo, Switchboard Operator, Murray & Roberts Corporate Office

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Bongi - People don’t know that I have two dogs named Salt and Pepper.
Sue - I am actually very soft natured, have a sense of humour and I don’t have a Nimbus2000 behind my desk!
Lebo - I am passionate about motivational speakers and leadership workshops. I attend them as often as I can. I am also currently the branch secretary at my church.
Lungi - I can dance.
Unathi - I can play chess very well.
Florence - I can be friendly and cheeky.
Sello - Even though I am visually impaired, I perform my job effectively and try to be helpful to others.