EXECUTIVES AND SENIOR MANAGERS EXPERIENCE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF GENERAL WORKERS

On Friday, 21 June executives, including senior managers, traded their usual office attire for uniforms and protective gear. They joined general workers across various Johannesburg Water sites to experience a day in their lives.

The ground-breaking initiative was to foster understanding and strengthen bonds between different levels of the organisation. This unique experience allowed management to step into the shoes of their employees, gaining first-hand insight into the daily challenges and triumphs faced by those on the front lines.

The initiative, named "A Day in the Life" was spearheaded by the Legal and Governance Department. The goal was to bridge the gap between management and general staff, ensuring that decision-makers are more in tune with the realities of operational work. "Understanding the day-to-day experiences of our workers is crucial for effective leadership.

It is about empathy, respect, and making informed decisions that positively impact our entire workforce," said Kethabile Mabe, Executive Manager Legal Governance.

Raisibe Gaveni, Executive Manager Human Resource and Corporate Services said: "I have immense respect for our colleagues on the ground. Seeing their work first-hand has given me a new perspective on the challenges they face, which are often difficult to fully grasp through reports alone. What might have seemed like excuses in written reports are actually real obstacles. As management, it is our responsibility to ensure that employees have all the necessary tools of trade."

Kgaugelo Mahlaba, the Chief Financial Officer, spent his day working alongside the sewer section at Southdale Depot: "I was humbled by the hard work and dedication | witnessed.". "Resilience of our workers is truly commendable. This experience has given me a deeper appreciation of their contributions", he remarked.

The day was not only about labour but also about listening, learning, and experiencing the day holistically such as eating lunch with the colleagues. Management also engaged in open dialogues with workers, discussing their concerns, ideas, and suggestions for improving workplace conditions. Many employees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share their perspectives directly with senior management.