Woman of steel welds for her community
The mother of four children designs burglarproof doors, sliding gates, security gates and burglar bars according to the needs of her clients.
Thokozile Siwela (36) from KaMajika outside Hazyview is one of a few women making a name for themselves with steelwork. Her small welding business, Women in Welding, is situated along the R536 at KaMphatseni just outside Hazyview. 
She obtained her skills in 2014 after attending a welding and boilermaker’s course in Rustenburg.
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She started her business in the back of her garage at home while she worked as a full-time waitress in town. “I waited tables and tended bars, but nothing seemed fulfilling to me until I start working with my tools,” she said.
Siwela would only work on weekends and after work. It was only during the lockdown when most businesses were closed that she decided to take her business to another level. She secured herself a space near the main road and started to operate on a full-time basis. 
“I have since found myself quite a few customers from my community who are happy with my work. Anyone who needs my services just needs to call me and I will come to take measurements at their houses and offer them affordable prices,” she said.
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Siwela also helps in the fight against unemployment in her community by providing temporary jobs for local youth when there is more work to be done. Being one of the few females in this male-dominated industry, she is sometimes victimised by males who at times undermine her just because she is a woman.
“Not all males are like that; some of them respect my work, support me and accept me as a fellow counterpart,” she said. 
“Women shouldn’t fear anything. They are capable of doing anything and are competent at any job, just like anyone else,” she said.
For more information, follow Siwela on her Facebook page, thokozilesiwele.
