Women in the manufacturing industry: Phuthi Mathekga

To celebrate National Women’s month this August, we are profiling some phenomenal women who work at PG Bison and others who run businesses in the furniture manufacturing industry. In this feature we get to know and be inspired by Phuti Mathekga, HR Operations Manager at PG Bison.

“I’ve been passionate about helping people since I was a young girl, skilled at solving problems and bringing people together. That is why I pursued a career in HR,” says Phuti.

Phuthi’s career began as an HR intern at PG Bison in 2017. She was appointed permanently as an HR administrator within six months. Only a year after that, she was promoted to HR officer in 2018. Not stopping there, in early July 2023 Phuti was awarded another promotion to her current role as HR Operations Manager, where she is responsible for overseeing the Boksburg operational site.

“I have always had this idea of changing the narrative in the HR department and PG Bison has granted me the opportunity to do that,” she says.

Having been in the manufacturing industry for over six years Phuti’s drive comes from the need to improve employees’ quality of life through support and communication. “My experience at the company has built up my proficiencies in solving various employee problems and has allowed me to develop strong relationships with different managers,” she explains.

A wife and mother to an 8-month-old son and 5-year-old daughter, she finds reward in positively impacting individuals’ lives and is motivated by the thought of giving people hope for tomorrow.

One of her primary goals is to further develop her knowledge of human capital and promote employee wellness programmes. She says that helping others gives her a sense of accomplishment and is important to her as growing up in the village of Ga-Matlala in Limpopo she too was helped by many people, ensuring her success.

Phuti’s favourite aspect of working at PG Bison is the team spirit, culture and the great support system that comes from all the managers up to executive level. The industry has taught me that resilience, commitment and dedication are what you need to succeed,” says Phuti.”

Her advice to people beginning their career journeys is to firstly decide on what it is they want to do and then to determine what they need to do to get there. “Start doing, now! Even if you take small steps, these steps will bring you closer to your goals and never stop learning,” she says.

“Life is all about managing your expectations and that your life is your responsibility, when you know better, do better! Your word is your bond and work hard and just keep going.” Says Phuti.