Tshepo Mathatho at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19
Petrol attendant, Tshepo Mathatho says being an essential services worker does not mean being special or important
POLOKWANE – “All essential services workers need to ensure that they fulfil their jobs because during this time we all rely on each other.”
Tshepo has been working at the Shell Sediba station for the past eight years and says it was a fascination with fuel that landed him the job.
“A friend and I would always debate on the different types of fuel and their capabilities. During one particular debate I decided to visit the station to get more information.”
Tshepo was told to come back the following day, after which he was offered a job.
He is also a student at Unisa where he is pursuing a course in the introduction to admin.
“When I finish this course, I will be able to study towards a degree, which is where I see myself in the next few years. The one-on-one interaction I have with customers, as I fill up their tanks, led me to these thoughts. They encourage me to study further.”
He resides in Seshego, where he has to make sure he leaves home by 04:00 to ensure he is ready at work on time. This is also influenced by the reduction of attendants during one shift because of the pandemic.
“There are only two petrol attendants during one shift and we decided to start earlier to relieve each other. This is just a small way in which I help my country. People need to stay at home and adhere to the set guidelines, otherwise it will all be for nothing,” he said, “this is not the time to be disobedient or make jokes. We all need to put some effort into this one.”
