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Humans of RCL FOODS: Gent Sambo
From poverty to purpose: Gent’s legacy of hard work, faith and family
When Gent speaks, his words carry the quiet weight of someone who has lived through more than most…and emerged not only stronger but deeply determined to uplift those around him.
He is a man shaped by hardship, grounded by faith, and driven by love for his family, for his work, and for the generations to come.
Growing up hungry, growing up strong
Gent was born into severe poverty and was one of ten children in a family that had very little. By the time he was in grade 4, his world changed forever: his mother passed away and the family found itself on the edge of survival.
“When my mother died, I didn’t think about school, I thought about food. How would we live? How would we eat?”
The answer came in the form of his older brother, who took on the impossible task of raising his siblings. Despite not being much older himself, he stepped up with a powerful sense of responsibility and some life-changing advice for young Gent:
“If you want a better life, stick to school.”
That single sentence became Gent’s anchor.
Even in the face of hardship, he clung to education and hard work as his only way out. And slowly, it began to pay off.
Choosing the long road
Gent’s journey with RCL FOODS began many years ago at the Sunbake Bakery in Bushbuckridge. From the start, he brought more than technical skill. He brought heart, integrity, and an unwavering sense of purpose.
But the path wasn’t easy.
Early on, Gent wanted to study further and become a qualified electrician. It was a huge risk. At the time, he was earning an entry-level salary, his wife was unemployed, and they had a child to feed. If he failed, he’d have to find a way to pay back the full cost of the course, money he didn’t have and couldn’t afford to lose.
Still, Gent was determined. A leap of faith. He spoke to his wife. Together, they agreed:
“Even if it means we’ll starve for three months, once I pass, we’ll never live like this again.”
He did pass. With God, grit, and relentless hard work, Gent earned his trade, becoming a certified electrician and, eventually, a senior artisan. But it wasn’t just about a job title, it was about becoming the kind of man his younger self had needed. A provider. A protector. A role model.
A family transformed
Today, Gent has raised three daughters, each living proof of how far his family has come. One is a pilot. Another is a radio presenter. The youngest is still in school and thriving.
And his wife? He made sure she had the chance to study too. She went on to become a teacher, shaping young minds just like Gent has always dreamed of doing in his own way.
“We were poor but we decided the next generation wouldn’t be.”
It’s this personal victory, more than any job title or accolade, that Gent is most proud of. His story is one of personal triumph and generational change.
Serving with loyalty and purpose
Gent has stayed at RCL FOODS for 39 years, not because it was always easy, but because he found something rare: a workplace that, at its best, felt like a family.
He remembers Charles Saunders, a former Maintenance Manager, as someone who treated his team with kindness and respect.
“He was like a brother. We forgot we were at work. We just worked hard because we felt cared for.”
Later, when the chance came to apply for Charles’s role, Gent never gave up despite numerous hurdles. He kept working. He trained others. He gave his all even when he wasn’t chosen.
And when the role opened up again, Gent finally stepped into the shoes of Maintenance Manager, where he has served for the last three years with pride and excellence.
Looking ahead and giving back
Now nearing retirement, Gent isn’t slowing down. He’s planning to open a training centre to help the next generation of electricians, especially young people from disadvantaged backgrounds like his own.
He’s currently in the process of registering with SETA to become a recognised training provider.
“Even when I retire, I won’t stop working. I want to give others what I never had.”
Outside of work, Gent is a devoted churchgoer and community member. His faith has been his compass throughout life’s storms.
His message to others; grow what matters
Gent often reminds his colleagues of a simple truth: “You retire on a Friday. There’s a celebration. But ask yourself…what are you going to do on Monday?” It’s a powerful reminder to prepare not just for the job you have now, but for the life you want after it. His advice is clear; work with honesty and integrity, plan beyond your paycheck, and never take your job for granted. Think beyond yourself and remember that a company isn’t just a building. It’s a lifeline for the community and for future generations. When you take care of it, you’re helping it grow into something that can take care of many others long after you’re gone. For Gent, doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, isn’t just good advice, it’s how you grow what truly matters.
