Just a year ago the prospect of working in a corporate environment as a junior clerk seemed a stretch too far for Sheron Nupuka.
At the time, Nupuka was an office cleaner, following years of housekeeping jobs ever since her arrival in Cape Town.
This 35-year-old woman arrived from Zimbabwe in 2017 and, like hundreds like her, took up casual domestic worker employment opportunities, just to have a fresh start in life.
Soon after taking up a position as office cleaner at the premises of Sherwood Construction in Boundary Road, Strand, Nupuka noticed her colleagues seated at desks and working on laptops, and she wanted that for herself too.
“It looked easy, although I did not know what work they were doing. I also saw a few ladies younger than me working at desks, and I thought to myself that if they can do it, then surely I can too,” Nupuka recalled.
She spoke to the managing director of the company, Ghalieb Jardien, about the possibility of learning the skills required and soon after she was taking lessons during her tea breaks.
Just a few months later, in January this year, Nupuka was officially employed as a junior clerk and is now working hard towards further qualifications, attending night school. She is motivated to climb the ladder of success, where the sky is the limit.
“My life has completely turned around and I am in a much happier frame of mind. I find the job easy,” she quipped. “I am also incredibly motivated after this experience; I feel that anything is now possible. Going forward I want to work hard, I want to prove myself and I want to take my career further. I am hopeful that there will be more opportunities that come my way.”
Asked to comment on the progress of Nupuka from cleaning lady to junior clerk, Jardien said that he’s always been pro-development of women in society, due to their nurturing, caring, and selfless nature.
“Sheron started looking after our environment and staff, and over time I noticed her taking an interest in her colleagues and asking them questions. She showed a natural sense of curiosity and was eager to learn,” he pointed out.
“After observing her helping colleagues, we noticed the potential she had, and asked her to demonstrate that she was serious and prepared to give what it takes, and she did exactly that. At the end of last year she was duly promoted as junior clerk, and I envisage her to grow and be granted more responsibilities.”
He further stressed that Nupuka had carved out the opportunity herself, which speaks volumes of her character and desire to succeed.
In a statement, the company said Nupuka’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for women everywhere aspiring to excel in the corporate world.
“Sheron’s story is one of sheer determination and hard work. Starting as our office cleaner, she embarked on a journey of growth and transformation, overcoming challenges and seizing every opportunity. Today, she stands as junior data capturer in finance – a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance.
“We believe Sheron’s journey deserves recognition for its profound impact and message of empowerment. By sharing her story, we hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams relentlessly, regardless of the obstacles they may face,” it reads.
When asked what message she has for other women who desire something more, Nupuka urged women to do what makes them happy. “It’s never too late to learn and if you want to do something, don’t hesitate. Speak to who you can and ask the questions, a new life might be just around the corner for you.”
