Leah Sebekedi, the newly appointed Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE)
Manager at Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West, was always greatly
encouraged in her studies and career by her father – with the proviso that, unlike
him, she should avoid working in the mining industry.
Leah has fulfilled her father’s hopes although, ironically, it is in mining that she gained
sufficient experience to have her appointment confirmed at one of South Africa’s
most beautiful and prestigious wine farms.
Leah grew up in North West Province, matriculating from Sefutswelo High School in
Madikwe, on the outskirts of Rustenburg. She considered studying medicine, but
opted for an engineering course from the College of Cape Town. She soon attained
her National Diploma in Safety Management, followed by a B. Tech. in Safety
Management, both from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
She joined De Beers as a safety graduate in training – she had always avidly read the
mining magazines and newsletters that her father brought home – and while
gaining work experience at one of the largest diamond mines in the world,
Voorspoed in Kroonstad, her manager suggested she prepare a presentation for the
annual CEO summit.
“I was a bit sceptical, as I was just an intern, but I presented my story and got calls
from two companies, De Beers Marine and Element Six. They liked my energy and
the presentation. I chose De Beers Marine in Cape Town as I love this place.”
Leah was soon appointed Safety and Health Officer, responsible for providing safety
knowledge and advice to all levels of management. She was then appointed SHE
Systems Specialist at Kumba Iron Ore’s Kolomela mine in the Northern Cape, until she
joined 322-year-old Vergelegen in July this year.
“This estate is a beautiful space that defines the word ‘sustainability’”, enthuses Leah.
“It has been around a long time and I think my great great grandchildren will see
these grape vines too. I don’t think there is any farm in the Western Cape that drives
safety like this. It shows that management cares for its people.”
The estate was the first producer to receive Biodiversity and Wine Champion status,
in March 2005, for progress made in the largest privately funded alien vegetation
clearing project in South Africa. Clearing was completed four years ago.
Vergelegen was also the best performing estate in the Stellenbosch regional section
of the Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards in 2021, with staff in the administration,
cellar, vineyards, horticultural and maintenance departments winning awards.
Vergelegen not only produces and exports wine, but is renowned for its restaurants
and gardens. Ensuring a safe, healthy environment for staff and guests is an
enormous responsibility, taking into account stringent South African, corporate and
international standards and protocols.
Leah’s typical working day could start with inspections, checking that risk assessment
has been undertaken and appropriate controls put in place to suit that day’s
activities. One needs an eye for detail, whether it’s ensuring that a roof contractor
wears a harness, or overseeing safety protocols for a gathering of several hundred
VIPs.
Leah attributes her success to her positive attitude, that she welcomes feedback,
and ongoing study to keep up with the latest developments in her field. She holds
certificates in subjects ranging from auditing to legal intelligence, risk management
and mentoring, and is currently studying for a postgraduate diploma in risk
management through UNISA. She hopes to study for her masters and doctorate in
business leadership.
As a wife and mother, she enjoys the flexibility of her current post and the balance it
enables between work and personal responsibilities. Her spacious office, furnished
with antiques, is a world away from the container office that she previously worked in
at the mine.
What words of advice does Leah have for young women considering following in
her footsteps? She answers that many do not realise that SHE is a 24–hour, hands-on
job.
“You need to be a people’s person and understand where staff are coming from,”
she says, recalling offering safety advice to a burly forklift driver who did not take
kindly to feedback from a petite young woman. Leah says men generally dominate
the SHE sector at safety officer level, where enforcement is key, but more female
faces are appearing at administrative and managerial levels.
In her spare time, Leah loves dancing – her interests range from ballroom to
energetic pantsula – and reading. She cites business leader Nolitha Fakude’s
autobiography Boardroom Dancing as a key influence. She’s also proficient in
English, Afrikaans and several Southern African languages, in addition to her home
language of Setswana, and is studying French on a language app.
Fortunately for Vergelegen, Leah also loves dry red wine. “Maybe this was one of the
pointers that got me hired.”
To find out more about Vergelegen: https://vergelegen.co.za/
Caption: Leah Sebekedi, the newly appointed Safety, Health and Environmental
(SHE) Manager at Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West.
Issued by:![]()
![]()
Meropa Communications
On behalf of:![]()
![]()
Vergelegen Wine Estate
Contact:![]()
![]()
Judy Bryant 083 2867168 judyb@meropa.co.za
