Bosasa - Our Women Security Supervisors
Bosasa's women security supervisors at O.R. Tambo International Airport give aviation security a friendly yet firm face. They are a lot more approachable and readily willing to assist clients. But don't be fooled by their kindliness, their vigilance can only be matched by a lioness on the prowl. They have over 600 patrollers, guards and dog handlers between the four of them to supervise. Tough as nails, Junior Zengele and Banele Mei are the main custodians of security at Super South Long Term Parking and Multi story Parking 1, respectively. But wait till you meet Girly Marakalla and Evodia Mathe. They take charge of their responsibilities with the astuteness that places them among the most accomplished women in the security industry. They can be counted, without shame or favour as those women that have overcome obstacles to become leaders deserving of appropriate accolades.
Minority excellence
But what makes them the ideal people to supervise these teams of mostly male security officers? To understand the reasons fully, we look at a world renowned woman security leader, Bonnie Michelman who is considered an authority with over 20 years' experience in the industry. Aside from once being the US Director of Police and later venturing into the private security sector, her academic trail makes her the most sought after women security leader.
Michelman says there are times being a woman in this particular field makes you feel like a minority. But then isn't it also true that those who feel this way are likely to excel for a whole array of reasons.
Self-development and mentorship
Zengele, Mei, Makalla and Mathe seriously heed all mentorship they get from their female shift bosses. Just like Michelman who says she has been fortunate to have the best mentors in the business, they too consider themselves truly blessed. Michelman cites her " strong education including on-going specialized security focussed education and her willingness to take on additional responsibility as key drivers for women looking to be successful in security". Zengele and others stand strongly advised and they are pursuing excellence in learning and giving their utmost at work.
They worked their way up from Grade D entry level security. Even though they work as Grade B supervisors, they have qualified to be appointed as Grade A top level security management should such posts emerge. In the time that they have served as Bosasa Security officers, they have qualified in National Key Points, Aviation Security, First Aid, Competency Training and Grade A Level 1 management. They are security coordinators-in-waiting.
Dealing with challenges
One of the major challenges in the workplace for them is dealing with difficult clients and mostly male employees. They have dealt with death threats in a manner only a woman can do, says one of the ladies. "God-given strength and self-motivation have kept us going in the face of challenges," says Mei. Zengele is thorough in her approach. She sees her responsibility as more than ensuring the safety of client property. In her daily preparation for duty, she immediately factors in coordination and control which she backs up with well thought through problem solving procedures.
Leadership
To these ladies leadership is a lot of things but a glorified position. Mathe is the first to insist that they are not just there because they are women. "We are leaders and we are capable of what we do," says she. They all took turns, each tossing a word or two on what they thought was leadership: from a process, a choice, a journey, a skill, a dialogue not a monologue, a calling, a relationship to a way of life. The best description, for me, came from Girly Marakalla, who by-the-way cuts a tall figure. Her manner in which she made herself heard by raising her tall self on her toes added to the drama as she said, "It's a contact sport!" VP
Bosasa - Our Women Security Supervisors
Let Food be Medicine
Brother Keeper
Letters to Bosasa
Minority excellence
But what makes them the ideal people to supervise these teams of mostly male security officers? To understand the reasons fully, we look at a world renowned woman security leader, Bonnie Michelman who is considered an authority with over 20 years' experience in the industry. Aside from once being the US Director of Police and later venturing into the private security sector, her academic trail makes her the most sought after women security leader.
Michelman says there are times being a woman in this particular field makes you feel like a minority. But then isn't it also true that those who feel this way are likely to excel for a whole array of reasons.
Self-development and mentorship
Zengele, Mei, Makalla and Mathe seriously heed all mentorship they get from their female shift bosses. Just like Michelman who says she has been fortunate to have the best mentors in the business, they too consider themselves truly blessed. Michelman cites her " strong education including on-going specialized security focussed education and her willingness to take on additional responsibility as key drivers for women looking to be successful in security". Zengele and others stand strongly advised and they are pursuing excellence in learning and giving their utmost at work.
They worked their way up from Grade D entry level security. Even though they work as Grade B supervisors, they have qualified to be appointed as Grade A top level security management should such posts emerge. In the time that they have served as Bosasa Security officers, they have qualified in National Key Points, Aviation Security, First Aid, Competency Training and Grade A Level 1 management. They are security coordinators-in-waiting.
Dealing with challenges
One of the major challenges in the workplace for them is dealing with difficult clients and mostly male employees. They have dealt with death threats in a manner only a woman can do, says one of the ladies. "God-given strength and self-motivation have kept us going in the face of challenges," says Mei. Zengele is thorough in her approach. She sees her responsibility as more than ensuring the safety of client property. In her daily preparation for duty, she immediately factors in coordination and control which she backs up with well thought through problem solving procedures.
Leadership
To these ladies leadership is a lot of things but a glorified position. Mathe is the first to insist that they are not just there because they are women. "We are leaders and we are capable of what we do," says she. They all took turns, each tossing a word or two on what they thought was leadership: from a process, a choice, a journey, a skill, a dialogue not a monologue, a calling, a relationship to a way of life. The best description, for me, came from Girly Marakalla, who by-the-way cuts a tall figure. Her manner in which she made herself heard by raising her tall self on her toes added to the drama as she said, "It's a contact sport!" VP
Bosasa - Our Women Security Supervisors
Let Food be Medicine
Brother Keeper
Letters to Bosasa