Humans of RCL FOODS – Samuel: Hands that build, a heart that perseveres

From casual worker to mechanical fitter: how Samuel Mogashwa found purpose in his grief

Samuel Mokete Mogashwa’s path at RCL FOODS is one marked by quiet determination and an unshakeable belief in doing more with what life gives you. What began as a way to support his family soon became something far greater—a discovery of purpose, a love for manufacturing, and a journey defined by meaningful progress. Today, he holds the title of qualified Mechanical Fitter, a role he earned through years of dedication and learning.

The comeback no one saw coming
Born and raised in the Vaal Triangle, Samuel’s early years were shaped by both joy and immense loss. The passing of his mother in 2002, followed by his aunt’s death during his matric year, left him navigating a difficult path. Struggling with grief, he found himself in a dark place and didn’t know how he was going to get out. But in his lowest moment, a helping hand from his father and uncle gave him the chance to rebuild his life.

Determined to turn things around, Samuel joined RCL FOODS (then FOODCORP) in 2011 as a casual worker at the Catmor plant. This opportunity marked the beginning of a new chapter – one where he would rediscover his potential and chart a path toward success, igniting a passion for problem-solving and technical mastery that would drive him forward.

He was fascinated by the production processes and machinery, eager to learn and contribute more. His persistence and keen eye for quality did not go unnoticed. While working in the Salad Dressing plant, he identified a quality control issue that others had overlooked. When his concerns were initially dismissed, he took it upon himself to escalate the matter to his supervisor, demonstrating his commitment to excellence. His dedication paid off—this moment was a turning point in his career, reinforcing his belief that hard work and courage lead to opportunity.

From operator to mechanical fitter
In 2016, Samuel was appointed as an operator and promoted to supervisor within the same year. But he wasn’t done learning. Two years later, he applied for an internal millwright learnership, eager to deepen his technical understanding. For three years, he trained, studied, and stayed the course—earning his trade certificate in April 2021 and stepping into the role of Mechanical Fitter.

His journey reflects not only his drive, but the environment that allowed him to keep moving forward—one where belief in people, their ideas, and their effort truly matters. Even during the toughest days, he kept showing up—fuelled by his family’s support and his own quiet ambition to build something bigger than himself.

A passion for lifting others
Samuel’s success is not just about personal achievement – it’s about giving back. He credits his career growth to the mentorship of leaders like Willie Richards, Piet Oosthuisen, and Casper Breedt, as well as the unwavering support of his father and late uncle. Inspired by their guidance, he now aims to support and uplift others in the same way.
“I believe my purpose in life is to fight for the weak, speak up for those who can’t, and teach. I love sharing knowledge because I love seeing others do well – not just myself,” says Samuel.

Beyond his role at RCL FOODS, he is committed to helping his family in the Vaal and reviving his late aunt’s cooking business as a tribute to her. He believes success is measured not just by personal milestones but by the impact we have on others.

Lessons from Samuel’s journey
For those facing challenges or uncertainty in their careers, Samuel’s story is a powerful reminder:
• Never give up on yourself. No matter where you start, your journey is yours to shape.
• Stay curious. Embrace new opportunities because there’s always more to learn.
• Turn obstacles into opportunities. Every challenge is a chance to prove your resilience.

Looking ahead, Samuel is determined to continue advancing within RCL FOODS. His ambition? To one day become a senior leader within the company. “I believe it is possible, and I’ll see you on the road,” he says with confidence.

Samuel Mokete Mogashwa’s journey is more than just learning and growing – it’s an inspiration for all who dare to dream and work to make those dreams a reality.