Phumzile Zulu, in Isithebe, KwaZulu-Natal, is a quality offloader at Whirlpool KIC factory. She shares her inspiring story about working her way up from being a plastic packer.
By Fundiswa Nkwanyana
I have been working at the factory for over 15 years. I started off as a plastic packer and over the years, have worked my way to quality offloader. This is a better position than where I started. People assume that working in a factory is boring, but I enjoy it.
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My job entails ensuring that the products manufactured in the factory maintain KIC’s promise of trust is forever. We are passionate about delivering quality appliances to our customers. For this reason, most of them have a quality warranty. An important part of my job is putting our appliances through comprehensive quality checks before they reach our customers.
I’m excited to be working on new appliances that were recently launched. I love keeping abreast with the latest technology and my job allows me to do this. Our factory is manufacturing 14 upgraded bottom mount fridges and two twin-tub washing machines. They are set to revolutionize the Southern African home appliance market. I also enjoy hearing positive feedback from customers.
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I’m looking forward to growing my career and studying further. There are limited opportunities for career development in the rural area that I live in, so I’m grateful to have a job because I can take care of my family. With the help of Whirlpool KIC factory, I’m busy studying a project management course because I’m eager to grow my career. Contrary to popular belief, being a factory worker is a lot of fun and there are plenty of career growth opportunities.
