18 March 2025 | Story: Tshepiso Kaibe| Photo: Supplied.
2 minutes read time.
A career in safety management demands more than textbook knowledge, it requires ethical leadership, industry awareness, and a strong sense of purpose. This was the key message delivered to Safety Management students at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) during a thought-provoking guest lecture held on 15 March 2025.
Hosted by the Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, the session was opened by Ms Eunice Khambule, an Entrepreneurship lecturer, who immediately set an energetic and engaging tone. She broke the ice with a fun activity before introducing the day’s distinguished speaker, Ms Olga Mlaudzi of Thero Services.
Olga Mlaudzi, an experienced Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Agent and Environmental & Sustainable Development Lead, brought a wealth of knowledge to the session. Representing Thero Services, a company renowned for providing compliance solutions in environmental, health, safety, risk, and sustainability sectors, Ms Mlaudzi focus was clear: compliance is not just about ticking boxes, but about building resilient infrastructure and driving sustainable progress.
With over a decade of experience and a reputation as a respected scientist, Ms Mlaudzi offered students more than just theory. She drew on her extensive professional journey, sharing insights on the practical realities of the compliance industry. More importantly, she encouraged students to recognise the ethical responsibilities that come with ensuring the safety and well-being of others.
Her session was interactive and dynamic. Ms Mlaudzi began by urging students to introduce themselves confidently—underscoring the importance of personal branding in a competitive job market. She walked them through the diverse career opportunities available in compliance, while also addressing the often-overlooked challenges young professionals may face, particularly women entering male-dominated industries.
Ms Mlaudzi’s story as a black woman entrepreneur in compliance deeply resonated with the students. She shared lessons learned from her own experiences, on standing firm, building credibility, and making space for oneself in the industry. Practical advice followed, including crucial guidance on professional registration with governing bodies and steps students can take now to prepare for their future careers.
The lecture concluded on a high note, with a student delivering a heartfelt vote of thanks. She expressed how valuable it would be to introduce such sessions from first year, equipping students early on with industry insight and clear pathways to professional growth.
Ms Khambule acknowledged the feedback, assuring students she would raise their request with the Head of Department to make these guest lectures a regular feature.
The session ended with students enjoying lunch, reflecting on the day’s learnings. More than just a lecture, it was an empowering experience, one that bridged classroom theory with the realities of the workplace and broadened the students’ perspectives on what’s possible in their careers.
