My name is Sepheu Adolf Maphutha. I belong to the demographic cohort called baby boomers. I was born in the rural area of Sekhukhune in the Limpopo Province. I am the first son in a family of three. When the world, especially the corporate world threw curved balls in my way, I always wished I had an elder brother on whose shoulder I would cry. Not necessarily for him to solve all my personal problems, but just to listen.
Today, looking back at my career in the public service, I regard myself as fortunate to have worked with mostly caring and nurturing managers such as Dr. PP Pheme, Mr. NJ Molabe and Prof. ST Kgatla. Later on in the private sector, I appreciate the assistance of Mr. N Du Toit, Mr. C Steyn, L Strauss and E Oberholster and others who helped me get a grip of things in the corporate setting. These are great people who looked beyond my limitations as a rookie manager and made me focus on my potential.
I now know that everyone needs a helping hand to leap over hurdles of work life to make the best of their talents. I have tried to do the same with those who served under me, with varying levels of success, and now that I have retired and hung up my corporate combat gear, I have realised that I have friends who have travelled the same path, and who are amenable to sharing their knowledge and experience with the younger generations. Of course, times and circumstance have somewhat changed and the workplace has evolved. But people and the concept of corporate survival remains the same. Hence the idea of this website.
Back Home
Sepheu’s career began in the public service, where he secured an entry-level position as a Magistrate Court clerk. His commitment to growth was evident as he balanced work during the day with nighttime studies. During this period, his interest in people management prompted him to pursue further qualifications. He obtained a Diploma in Public Finance from the University of Zululand, followed by B. Com and B. Com Hons. degrees from the University of South Africa.
Transitioning to the private sector, Sepheu worked as a consultant at Coopers & Lybrand and later served as a Regional Human Resources Manager at the South African Post Office. He later joined the Petrochemicals giant Sasol, where his focus was primarily centered on energy regulation, where he delved into Energy Law Regulation. Subsequently, he earned a Post Graduate Certificate in the same field from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Back Home
It was in the aviation industry, Sepheu’s career reached its pinnacle as he assumed the role of General Manager in Human Resources at South African Airways Technical. During this phase, he pursued an M. Sc degree from the University of Salford in Manchester, UK.