Dorah Mmekwa knows that there is strength in numbers, and that communities of people are what make change happen – whether at work collaborating on solutions, or in life, supporting each other’s personal growth.
As the “manage the change” (MTC) manager within Ford South Africa, Dorah brings together communities across functions to develop better controls for engineering changes and minimize disruptions in production.
“My favourite part is engaging with people in different roles to collaborate and come up with inventive solutions,” she says. “I find joy and satisfaction when we successfully reach a solution that prevents issues from reoccurring.”
Outside of work, Dorah has found meaningful connections in a local hiking group she found through a colleague at work. This close-knit, supportive group allowed Dorah to see new horizons.
“I have always been travelling but it was mostly within South Africa, visiting different provinces. Through the hiking group, I was able to travel to Mozambique and Botswana.”
“Mozambique was my favourite because of the beautiful crystal blue water of the beach and the quality of the fresh seafood,” she says. “My favourite local province to travel to is Mpumalanga for its beautiful mountain scenery and all the waterfalls.”
“The group has become a family. We encourage one another on the trail not to give up and have lots of fun after hiking, we will have a braai and talk with one another. I really enjoy the company of the group more than the hiking itself.”
While Dorah loves the new experiences travel and work bring, her biggest source of joy is her family, starting with her 10-year-old son Lethabo. "His name means happiness or joy, as he brought so much of it to my life,” she says.
Her mother also has been one of her greatest inspirations. When facing challenges at work, or on the trails, she remembers a lesson her mother always taught her: “You must always have the courage to rise up because failure is not supposed to define you but shape you.”
“She is the reason I am passionate about everything I do,” Dorah says. “She taught me to give my best.”