“Many who grew up in Atlantis went on to work in factories in the area, and I admired them and dreamt of going to work in a factory one day too.”
These are the words of Atlantis local Donna Samuels. The 43-year-old is currently the Western Cape Central Depot Operations Manager, overseeing the province’s distribution of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical items.
This is the same team that will soon lead the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine in the province.
Samuels says growing up in Atlantis was not easy, but with the love and support of her family she started to dream bigger than being a factory worker.
“Wesfleur Primary was the school where my life started, and I matriculated at Robinvale High in 1995,” she said.
“I was the second eldest of seven, and we grew up in a loving, supportive home with parents who strove to give us the best life and believed in us, that one day we will make a difference in the bigger scheme of life.”
Samuels said she qualified as a pharmacist in 2000, and has held various positions in the pharmaceutical industry, in the private and public sector.
She explained: “Within the various spheres in the pharmaceutical sphere I found my niche in the logistical aspects. I love what I do now, knowing the right thing will be at the right place at the right time.
“I found my way back to Western Cape Department of Health in October 2010, and have been working with various stakeholders ranging from National Department of Health, as the Western Cape’s logistics manager for the province’s HIV Unit, and collaborating with the private sector.
“I have headed numerous cold chain campaigns over the last couple of years,” the proudly Atlantis lady states.
“Atlantis will always be part of me, as my family still stays here and therefore it is not difficult for me to find my way there.”
