"In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity" - Unknown Author
Who is Tshepo – tell us about yourself?
Kabelo Tshepo Arnold Mathibela is husband to Helen and father to Hlompho (a boy), Godumetje (a girl), and Kgalalelo (a girl). I am the eldest of three children and, coincidentally, have a brother who also works for Ford – Clive Mathibela, a TCF Process Coach – and a sister named Hycinth. I had a typical upbringing in Mamelodi; we weren’t rich, nor were we poor, but I had the best childhood any kid could ask for under those circumstances. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
I went to Balebogeng Primary School and Izikhulu High School. I then registered at Technikon Northern Gauteng (TNG) in Soshanguve where I studied Potential Development (PD) in Civil Engineering, (S1 and S2 in Civil Engineering) before getting a job at Ford.
Where are you from originally?
Born in Mamelodi (Pretoria), I won’t reveal the exact year I was born – but let’s just say it was a very special one. That year, a certain South African became a world champion, and to this day, he remains the only world champion from Africa. There you are - I’ve given you a clue.
Your journey at Ford started in 2001. You have held many different roles at Ford, please tell us how you came to be in the Safety department?
I applied for a junior position in the Safety Department in 2004 as a Risk Assessor, following an enjoyable stint as a SHE Representative and First Aider in the Land Rover Paintshop. I then joined the Safety team alongside Wanda Lodi, Gert van der Merwe, Shaun Renze, and Walter Moabelo.
The first two years were focused on Risk Assessments and exploring the sudden trauma and ergonomic tools at my disposal. I registered for a Safety Diploma, and while studying, I was also promoted to the position of Safety Officer. To date, I have attended and completed over 22 courses, including a university B-Tech degree. These courses include Power Lockout, Safety Programmes, Confined Space, Train the Trainer, Occupational Hygiene, ISO 9001 and 14001, Change Management, Six Sigma, and many more.
Tell us about your current responsibilities.
I’m currently responsible for Integrated Stamping and Body (ISB) Paintshop, Plant Engineering and Assembly Quality Assurance (AQA) - this is in terms of Safety DCC ie: Lost time cases, daily incidents, Safety Observation Index, GEMBA walks, SHE Reps, Statutory and internal training, GERT 8Ds, Occupation and Health Surveys, Medical Surveillance, Risk Assessments, monthly safety campaigns, Protag, the list is endless.
As a Senior Safety Engineer, you lead safety programmes and encourage others to follow them. How do you get people – from managers to workers – to take safety seriously?
It starts with understanding that the best possible safety device in any organisation is a safe worker. Secondly, treat your work area the same way you would treat your home - respect your home, respect your work.
Looking back at your journey through the plant, what role or moment are you most proud of and why?
Being appointed as a Risk Assessor was my first role in the Safety Department, and I thrived in it. The position required daily interaction with operators, a solid understanding of processes and equipment/machinery, and the responsibility of conducting risk assessments across the entire plant.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the automotive industry, and specifically in safety?
I grew up in Mamelodi, so Ford has always been close to home — quite literally. Every street in Mamelodi has at least one Ford employee. Naturally, you’re inclined to seek employment nearby, and I suppose that’s how I found myself here.
I was strong in Maths and Science during the latter part of high school, which naturally led me toward work in an engineering environment. I joined Ford in 2001 as an operator in the Land Rover Paintshop. My then-supervisor told me he wanted me to be the area SHE Representative and First Aider. It was great fun in the beginning. I always looked forward to the monthly SHE Committee meetings and I guess that’s where my love for Safety began. I went on to register for a Diploma in Safety Management, and as they say, the rest is history.
What do you like to do in your free time when you’re away from work?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids, catching up with my brother and friends, and visiting my mother, who lives in another province. I also like attending soccer matches, visiting wildlife parks from time to time, and watching Formula 1 and MotoGP.
Who is your role model or mentor (at work or personal) and why?
My role model on a personal level — and my greatest mentor — was my grandmother. She was relentless, strong, a woman of prayer, and always positive about life. She truly was the best thing that ever happened to me.
What would you tell your younger self knowing what you know about life today?
“The world is a cruel place, and peace is for the weak”. I wish I had understood this when I was younger. I’ve always been a peacemaker, and while it has taken me somewhere in life, it hasn’t quite taken me where I truly want to be.