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The beauty of the craft: Vincent Sekeloane and the Artisans of RCL FOODS
Before the first shift begins, Vincent Sekeloane is already on the bakery floor. His eyes scan the machines, his hands trace the hum of the line – not only checking that everything runs smoothly, but that everyone working can do their job safely. For Vincent, leadership begins with touch: the steady hands of an artisan who has learned every sound, every motion, every risk.
A journey built by hand
Vincent’s story begins in the Eastern Free State, where he was raised by a mother who carried the family after his father passed away. When university was out of reach, he chose a path of skill and determination. He trained as a mechanical artisan, later qualified as an electrical artisan, and eventually earned his Government Certificate of Competency.
“I always knew where I wanted to go,” he says. “Even when I had to start from the bottom, I understood that each stage would teach me something valuable.”
His path took him from apprentice to technical expert, and eventually to Group Maintenance Manager at RCL FOODS. Despite his progress, Vincent never lost sight of where he began or of the people who helped him along the way.
A culture of safety and respect
For Vincent, safety represents far more than a checklist. It is a reflection of care, and of respect for every person working beside him.
“I have seen what happens when people are too afraid to speak up,” he says quietly. “We have to create an environment where every voice matters.”
This belief shapes how he leads. He encourages openness, ensures people are heard, and makes safety part of everyday practice. Because when people feel safe, they do their best work.
The craft of mentorship
Vincent is a builder of people. Early in his career, he noticed how many assistants had strong technical ability but lacked the formal qualifications to advance. He began to mentor them, showing them what to study, how to prepare for trade tests, and reminding them that they were capable of more.
Many of those he guided have since qualified as artisans, moving into roles that once felt out of reach. “That is what gives me energy,” Vincent says. “Seeing someone discover their own strength.”
Today, his passion for mentorship echoes across RCL FOODS. Through structured apprenticeship programmes, mentorship training, and recognition of prior learning, the company is investing in those who keep its operations steady and its standards high. When artisans grow, the entire business moves forward.
Preserving the art of skill
At RCL FOODS, artisan development represents both continuity and progress. The Sugar Business Unit has long been known for its strong focus on training skilled tradespeople. Now, that same commitment is being carried into Baking and Groceries, ensuring every site has the knowledge and capability to maintain quality, efficiency, and safety.
Vincent’s current focus is on strengthening systems for knowledge transfer and succession planning. “When people leave, we cannot lose what they’ve learned,” he explains. “We must protect that knowledge, share it, and make it part of our culture.”
The lesson in the journey
When asked what advice he would give to others, Vincent’s answer is simple. “Keep your goal in sight,” he says. “Even when the path is difficult, keep learning. Keep showing up. Each skill you master opens another door.”
His story is a reminder that craftsmanship is not only about fixing and building. It is about patience, care, and the quiet pride that comes from doing something well.
At RCL FOODS, artisans like Vincent uphold the beauty of the craft and in doing so, they build the foundation for everything that follows.
