Humans of RCL FOODS: Boikanyo Molefe – Passion Produces Perfection

Growth is never linear, but when you refuse to give up, the results are always beautiful. Boikanyo Molefe truly embodies this — an incredibly talented and multifaceted human of RCL FOODS who is as passionate about his career growth as he is about fashion, rugby, and acting!

Boikanyo, originally from the North West, considers himself a provider in every sense. He is a dedicated father to his son and a guardian to his three siblings, inspiring them to make something of themselves. Boikanyo was raised by his grandmother in Mahikeng and faced many hurdles after her death in 2001. The loss of such a crucial figure in his life at such a young age was devastating and marked the start of many changes and challenges that eventually brought him to Gauteng for his high school years. Moving to Johannesburg was a real eye-opener as it exposed him to opportunities and showed him that anything is possible for those who work hard and believe in themselves.

His move to Gauteng wasn’t without its struggles. It saw him navigate the repetition of two grades at school and the death of his stepfather after he was shot and in a coma for 2 years. This took a toll on his family, especially Boikanyo, who dropped out of his BCom Accounting degree when the pressures of life and loss became too much. His dreams of becoming engineer had to be put on hold, making the future rather uncertain. After facing unemployment for most of 2016, he was offered a role at RCL FOODS.

He started at the PIEMANS factory shop in Krugersdorp, in June 2016, and 2 months later he earned a permanent post as a Bottom Mixer. Boikanyo then worked his way up to Assistant Operator and Machine Operator, until reaching his current position of Technical Assistant within the Safety team (that he’s been part of for the last 7 years). For the past 5 years, he has been a firefighter team leader, a position that he takes great pride in. Over the years, he has completed several qualifications, too. This includes SHE representative, incident investigation, forklift operator license, advanced industrial firefighting, first-line maintenance, Ammonia Diploma, and NQF Level 3 Production Technology. Today, he’s getting ready to start his N4 qualification which will commence in February.

As a man of many talents, he believes in doing what you love! If his passion for rugby and position in the Krugersdorp Club wasn’t enough, his more artistic side can be seen in his acting roles on a couple of popular South African soap operas like Scandal and The Queen, as well as past participation in pageants. Winning First Prince in his High School years unlocked an undeniable passion for fashion, which is another way that Boikanyo expresses his uniqueness, energy and creativity.

How would Boikanyo describe himself? As a hardworking, adaptable, and driven person who embraces every challenge. It’s this attitude that allows him to achieve anything he sets his mind to. He believes in being open and honest, whilst trying to be fair in everything he does. Boikanyo feels that his purpose in life is to make a meaningful impact in whatever he’s involved in or exposed to. It’s why he approaches every opportunity to the best of his ability, embodying his motto, “Passion produces perfection.”

Despite his early challenges Boikanyo had to dig deep and make a lot of sacrifices to make his dreams, and those of his siblings, come true. Boikanyo is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and his unwavering support of his siblings is proof of his selflessness. Not only did his siblings live with him, but Boikanyo put them through tertiary education, too. Boikanyo is immensely proud of his siblings. One of his sisters graduated last year from Tshwane University of Technology and is now an apprentice. Boikanyo’s brother is a qualified electrician and his third sibling, another sister, is currently studying through UNISA.

What message does Boikanyo hope to leave with his fellow humans of RCL FOODS? That growth is a continuous journey that requires perseverance, adaptability and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. “There were times when I faced setbacks, but those moments taught me the most valuable lessons about resilience and problem-solving.” Boikanyo wants to inspire others to keep pushing until they are the highest version of themselves because as long as you are authentically you and refuse to give up, you cannot lose!