Page 49 - Mangwanani Magazine June 2020 Edition

Meet Jackina
My story: My name is Jackina Ngwepe (41-years old), a
Mangwanani employee. In September 2005, I took employment
with Mangwanani when I was 26. Erin (the CEO) took me through
my interview. I was nervous because this was my rst job, two
years after my matric. After the interview, I told Erin that every
month I have to attend my hospital for a check-up, as I have a
heart problem. I asked Erin whether this could be done while
employed at Mangwanani. I also explained that carrying
anything heavy would be against doctor’s instructions. Erin − an
angel from God − accepted me despite my condition.

My history − Since 1995, I have often been in and out of hospital
because of my cardiac problem (double valve replacement). I
was living in fear that I might die young. Even my parents did not
at that time have an understanding of my condition. I did not
worry about my future or have goals in my life. My disability grant
was deposited every month in my bank account, which satised
me. I did not dream of myself working. Even when still at school,
every year, I had to be admitted to hospital for a month, or at
least some weeks. I did not see anyone employing me, knowing
that I had this condition. All I can say is: “My boss, I owe you my Thank you, Mangwanani, for the person that I am today. Even
life.” though people consider me very strict, I have learned my strong
work ethic here at Mangwanani. Thanks to everyone who played
After my three months’ training, Erin suggested that I go into the a role in building me, the therapist for making me strong (no
facial department as there was a vacancy there. “In every longer that preciously sensitive person that I was, crying all the
situation you come across, you have to understand that you time). A big thank you to management for having faith in me, for
cannot get it easily.” I started as a foot therapist and as people pushing me to where I am today. Yes, I know that I am a hard
lack “ubuntu,” colleagues will give you the strong feet (man’s worker; however, I would not have believed it possible to handle
feet) to welcome you. Although it was a challenge to me, I did all those positions. I was able to do so because, above all, I did
not want to complain. I only asked God to give me strength. I not want to disappoint the people who entrusted me with their
remember my angel (Erin Limbert) was always around me. One clients. Today I say: thank you!
day after a treatment, I was called to the ofce to give
information about another therapist who was chewing gum. I Empowered women
had no information to offer. It was after the interview, and again Clientele care is my passion. I love being around the clients,
walking up the hill, that I found I could not breathe properly. That checking and making sure that they are happy and enjoying
was when Mrs Limbert made sure that they only use me in the their stay. We value our clients enormously − they are our rst
facial department. priority. Without them we are jobless. There would not be a
Mangwanani. Secondly, our therapists, our lovely ladies, are on
Happy therapist! hand to guide clients who need this help ,showing them a
My rst year I won best therapist of the year – a voucher for two to positive way of life, listening to them when they have problems
Durban with a ight (owing to weather conditions, we had to use and difculties. We try to assist where we can, because truly, we
a bus), 2 nights’ bed and breakfast at the Lodge. An Uber driver care very deeply for our clients. Discipline is not hatred; it is
took me wherever I wanted to go. And I won a voucher for two to necessary to maintain order. We accomplish this by sticking to
the Protea hotel for one night. On four different years I won staff rules and regulations.
member of the month, worth R1000. I was promoted to HOD for
the facials, then to hostess; and now I am the duty manager.