The Meet The Team series returns. This month, we introduce you to Giselle, PA to our National Director, Jacques Viljoen and the heartbeat of the SAMBRA Team. Find out what inspires her daily and why she is passionate about working in motor body repair.
Hi Giselle! We are so thrilled to speak to you! Let’s start off with you telling us a little about yourself, and what led to you working in the motor body repair industry?
I obtained an executive secretarial certificate after I matriculated, and have been working as a secretary in a variety of fields since. I first started out in the automotive industry working as the technical secretary for the technical director at Willard/SABAT Batteries before applying for the personal assistant position at
RMI/MIWA.
I am privileged to have worked with three associations within RMI namely: Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), South African Petroleum Retailers Association (SAPRA) and now the South African Motor Body Repairers Association (SAMBRA).
Who or what inspires you, and why?
My mother was my greatest inspiration. She faced a lot of adversity in her life, and worked extremely hard to provide for us, but I rarely saw her complain about her fate. What I admired most was her enthusiasm for life, and an ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions. I am extremely grateful for being her child, and I cannot be more grateful enough for everything!
What does a typical day in the SAMBRA Head Office look like?
My days are spent consolidating monthly Associational Representative (AR) reports, setting up meetings, assisting with association event planning, assisting with travel arrangements, dealing with email and website queries, preparing member communications, assisting with website-related queries, updating members OEM approvals and updating membership information.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Assisting wherever I can and simplifying the processes for members and our team.
Would you recommend working in our sector? And what advice would you give to those looking to start a career in Motor Body Repair?
Yes! I would recommend a career in the MBR sector, based on the diversity of the MBR industry in terms of growth, development, and learning.
Your personal and professional development is assured by a career in the automotive industry, which offers a wide range of fascinating opportunities. There are numerous career options in the automotive sector as a whole, from working in a repair shop or a car dealership, to a manufacturing plant! There are many pathways to choose from!
Don’t stress about choosing the ideal career right away when there are several options available. Before settling on one that feels right, you can test out a few different departments.
What do you like to do in your spare time? A hobby or passion?
Listening to music! My favourite genres are RNB and old school. I also enjoy experimenting with new cooking recipes. I also consider family important, so I spend my free time with them.
And finally, can you describe the perfect Sunday?
A typical Sunday for me would be starting my day off by attending church service. On returning from church, I normally start preparing lunch, whilst my hubby and kids do the tidying up. After lunch I enjoy a drive, visiting family members or friends. If that doesn’t materialise, then I laze around, doing absolutely nothing.
More SAMBRA ‘Meet The Team’ article in this series
Meet Randall Langenhoven – https://sambra.biz/meet-the-team-series-randall/
Meet Abie Kriek – https://sambra.biz/meet-the-team-series-spotlight-on-abie-kriek/
Meet Kevin Abrahams – https://sambra.biz/meet-the-team-series-spotlight-on-kevin-abrahams/
Meet Khulukazi Marambana – https://sambra.biz/meet-the-team-khulu-marambana/
