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● First Female Unit Head in Production
● Paint Shop to be led by first Female Production Unit Head
1 March 2016, marked a significant day at Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) as Faith Lelaka, took up the position of Unit Head of the Paint Shop. This is the first time a black woman has been appointed at this level in the Production environment.
Faith started as an in-service trainee in February 1999 and has spent most of her Volkswagen career in and around the Paint Shop. In 16 years she has worked her way from a technician in the Process Lab to the Production Line and into senior management position. “I realised early on that I needed to be involved in as many aspects of the job as possible and if that meant getting into a tank to measure paint levels or running multiple test to check paint viscosity, that’s what I was going to do.” remarked Faith.
Faith has been married for ten years and has four children. So she knows what it is like to juggle work and home life. She places a great deal of emphasis on family life and says that “finding the balance between home and work is a challenge that she is constantly working on.”
When asked how she felt about the appointment, Faith commented: “I am honoured and humbled by the recognition I have received through this appointment. I am aware of the challenges that lie ahead. As the new leader of this team I know that a leader is just a team member with a bit more responsibility – being a part of a team is a core Volkswagen Value.”
“As a company we are proud to have Faith in the Volkswagen Team. Her expertise in the Paint Process ensures that our customers both local and overseas will continue to buy great Polos. We congratulate her and wish her well on this next leg of her Volkswagen journey”, said Thomas Schaefer Chairman and Managing Director of Volkswagen South Africa.