Although she may have felt the job was too big, she was ready to take it on when she got the call.
“Several people told me it was a dream that was unlikely to become a reality because a woman had never led Langlaagte before,” she says.
She put the naysayers and haters in her rearview mirror and used their negativity as fuel. With that drive, she pushed on, determined to be the first woman to hold the role of terminal manager at Langlaagte.
“When my appointment was announced, one colleague called and jokingly asked whether I had already bought a bulletproof vest.
It was a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead, but she was ready for the journey,” she says of her appointment.
On a break from that journey, she spoke to Bizcommunity about her career trajectory and her vision for the women at Engen.
I joined Engen in 2011 from the FMCG logistics industry and was immediately drawn to the complexity of operations and the important role Engen plays in the South African economy.
Over the years, I have held various roles across lubricants, chemicals, and fuels, including dispatch supervisor, plant supervisor, relief depot manager, and depot manager.
During my three years at Alrode Depot, a joint venture site, I gained valuable operational and leadership experience through close collaboration with the host company.
This exposure inspired me to pursue the challenge of managing a fully Engen-owned operation.
When the opportunity at Langlaagte became available, I applied despite being told that I was too ambitious and that no woman had ever led the operation before.
My previous experiences equipped me with the skills and confidence to lead the Langlaagte operation. I believed in my abilities, relied on my experience, and backed myself.
I had also invested in my development by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice (NQF Level 8) through Henley Business School.
Today, being the first woman to lead Langlaagte is more than a personal achievement.
It is proof that barriers can be broken.
My journey has taught me that resilience, continuous learning, and self-belief can open doors that others believe are closed.
Never let limitations or stereotypes define your potential. If you are willing to work hard and trust your capabilities, there is no limit to what you can achieve.
Critics will always be there.
One of the most valuable lessons my coach taught me was that the best approach is to be a silent operator and let your results speak for themselves.
As an introvert, I have always believed that performance matters more than noise.
When I look at where Langlaagte is today compared to five years ago, I am proud of what we have achieved.
With the support of key stakeholders and an exceptional team, we have moved the terminal from good to great. Our internal and external audit results speak to that progress.
Leading a major hazard installation comes with immense responsibility.
As the authority, I understand the significance of that accountability and never take it lightly.
Throughout my journey, I have chosen not to be distracted by stereotypes, doubts, or the opinions of others.
Instead, I focus on what I can control: my attitude, my effort, and my commitment to excellence. I know who I am, and I trust in my abilities. The rest is noise.
My belief is simple: stay focused, stay humble, and let your results tell your story.
In February 2021, six months before taking responsibility for Langlaagte Terminal, I was appointed empowerment workstream lead for the logistics and distribution division.
Empowerment was identified as a key enabler in Engen’s journey to becoming a world-class organisation.
To me, empowerment is about being intentional in developing people, unlocking talent, and creating opportunities for growth.
It is a team-based approach that helps individuals move from being closely managed to becoming self-directed, confident decision-makers who contribute meaningfully to the success of the organisation.
Beyond formal mentoring and coaching, I am passionate about encouraging young women to invest in their education, be patient with the process, and be willing to start wherever opportunities arise.
My first permanent role was as an administrative clerk, and I gave it my absolute best because I understood that every role is a stepping stone to something greater.
I believe leadership is not about telling people what to do. It is about showing them how it is done, creating opportunities for growth, and walking alongside them as they build their confidence and capabilities.
When people are empowered, they unlock their full potential and, in turn, help the organisation succeed.
Women need to develop a strong sense of purpose and believe in their own capabilities, especially when faced with doubt or resistance from others.
There will always be moments when people question your potential, but you should never allow their opinions to define your future.
Career growth should never come at the expense of your values.
Stand firm in what is right and never be afraid to speak up with integrity and conviction.
Your integrity will be tested throughout your career, but true leadership is demonstrated by remaining steadfast, even under pressure.
While it is important to be adaptable and open to change, it is equally important to stay true to yourself.
The moment you compromise your principles, you risk losing your credibility, authority, and authenticity.
Success is not only about achieving results; it is about achieving them without losing sight of who you are and what you stand for.
Every individual has unique talents to contribute.
I believe the future will see more women taking up strategic leadership roles, accelerating transformation, and proving that diverse perspectives create stronger, more successful organisations.
In support of this vision, I’m currently mentoring and coaching young ladies within the operations division to advance their studies and be open to learning at every opportunity.
While education remains the cornerstone of development, meaningful progress requires collaboration between government and the private sector to create opportunities and build an ecosystem where entrepreneurship can flourish, jobs can be created, and communities can prosper.
Hey Lerato, I’m proud of how far you’ve come. Keep building your legacy and breaking barriers.
Many people are looking up to you, and your success is inspiring others to believe in what is possible.
Keep leading the way!
