Thando Makhoba, MD of Multotec Rubber
Full Name: Thando Makhoba
Position: MD of Multotec Rubber
Main Activity of the Company: Multotec Rubber is a mill-lining and rubber-wear products original-equipment manufacturer
Date and Place of Birth: January 19, 1974, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Education: Mechanical engineering, as well as an MBA
First Job: Trainee mechanical technician
Career History Prior to Current Position: I spent time at a smelter before moving to the automotive sector, where I worked for Toyota and Mercedes-Benz for at least ten years. Thereafter, I joined the rail industry, working for Transnet and the mines. I also was part of the Bombardier consortium for the Gautrain project. I then moved to the ceramic industry, where I was involved in the construction of a factory serving the catalytic inverter space and then abrasives. Thereafter, I worked for mining equipment suppliers Metso and Sandvik
Size of First Pay Packet: R1 200 a month
First Job with Present Group: MD of Multotec Rubber
Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated
Number of People under Your Leadership: About 125
Management Style: Situational
Personal Best Achievement: Participating in the first-ever charity ride from Joburg to Durban, raising funds for orphanages, and participating in an Amashova cycling race
Professional Best Achievement: Building factories and turning around at least four businesses, achieving both growth and profitability
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My grandparents
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Pirjo Virtanen, an associate professor of indigenous studies at Finland's University of Helsinki
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Jack Ma, cofounder and former executive chairperson of China’s Alibaba Group
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Bill Gates
Philosophy of Life: It’s the set of the sail that determines your direction, not the wind
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Running two factories in different provinces profitably, and growing sales
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Losing my father
Hope for the Future: South Africa will be back on a growth path; change is happening – that’s why there’s chaos
Favourite Reading: Personal development books
Favourite TV Programme: The Big Bang Theory
Favourite Food/Drink: Fish/Cognac
Favourite Music: Jazz and House
Favourite Sport: Cycling
Favourite Website: None
Hobbies: Hiking, gardening, do-it-yourself stuff and animal viewing
Car: Ford Wildtrak 2.0 Bi-Turbo
Pets: None
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Pessimists, laziness, gossiping, subtle racism, cats, culture of entitlement and greed
Favourite Other South African Company: SAB
Favourite Foreign Company: Microsoft
Married: To Mpho Makhoba, since November 2003
Children: Nokuthula, 25; Lethukuthula, 21; Nqubeko, 14
Clubs: Proud Beginners Cycling and Chillie Runners