Meet our people - Dumisani Mthembu

Meet Dumisani, Environmental Specialist at Hillside Aluminium. We asked him some questions about what he enjoys about his job, his passions and what advice he’d give to those wanting to get into the environmental field and more. Get to know more about Dumisani below:

What three words would you use to describe your role? 

• Monitor the impact of a population on the environment

• Identifying environmental issues

• Recommending solutions

What do you like most about your job? 

​​​​​​​I like the varied scope of work and people, travel, flexible work hours during no-event days. I also like being able to work virtually, having a forward-thinking, supportive company that realises that employees are their greatest asset.   

What does safety mean to you?

That access to clean water, air and healthy food is ensured and protected. Being mindful of how our actions and decisions impact those around us.

What are everyday things you do to protect the environment?

I’m cutting down on what I throw away, as well as conserving water, the less water I use, the less run-off and wastewater that eventually end up in the ocean. I also choose non-toxic chemicals for products we use at home.  ​​​​​​​

What advice would you give to people wanting to get into the Environmental field?

The best career or job is the one in which you’re using the skills you enjoy. But not every job needs to address all your passions. Use every job as an opportunity to learn something new and keep an open mind.

Also, don’t take yourself (or your career) too seriously. Plenty of brilliant people started out in jobs they hated or took paths that weren’t right at the beginning of their careers. I started at Hillside Aluminium back in 2016 as a forklift driver fixed term contractor, even though I graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental management. In 2017 I was permanently employed as an operator in reduction potline three and six years later, I’m now in an environmental specialist role. 

Every person you meet is a potential door to a new opportunity - personally or professionally. Build good bridges even in that just-for-now job, because you never know how they’ll weave into a larger picture of your life.