South Africa’s leading clay brick and paver manufacturer continues to succeed in this highly competitive industry because of continued investment in its primary asset – its employees. Through the establishment of the Employee Share Trust in 2008, Corobrik has committed to transformation and empowerment of its staff with two new employee-nominated trustees voted onto the board of Corobrik biennially.

In April 2019, Lerato Mokgotsi (production manager at Corobrik’s Midrand factory) and Rahab Mathobela (despatch manager at Corobrik’s Lawley Factory) were announced as the latest board members.

Lerato Mokgotsi, a Clayville East resident, has risen through the ranks of Corobrik since 2010 when she started as a cashier and salesperson at the Fourways Centre. Her potential was quickly identified and Lerato was selected for the production management trainee programme in 2012 and eventually appointed to her current position as production manager in 2015.

Commenting on her appointment to the board, Mokgotsi says, “I was overwhelmed and excited at the opportunity to learn more about the organisation at top management level, allowing me to acquire more skills for my career path. I am looking forward to exercising good faith and honesty towards the trust members in the interest of growing Corobrik.”

She says the Employee Share Trust empowers staff with ownership which, in effect, influences the overall employee performance.

Fellow board member, Rahab Mathobela, joined the Corobrik team in 2002 as a sorter at the Rietvlei Factory. The Lenasia South resident worked her way up the organisation, taking on roles as despatch clerk, production supervisor trainee and internal sales representative. She took on her current position as despatch manager at Lawley in 2017.

“It feels good to be on the board and I’m looking forward to learning more about Corobrik, how the Employee Share Trust works and how the employees benefit in the long run,” explains Mathobela. “The trust keeps the staff motivated and encourages employees to retain their position in Corobrik, knowing that they will benefit when they retire.”

Dirk Meyer, Corobrik’s CEO, congratulated Mathobela and Mokgotsi on their appointments. “The experience they have gained at various departments across Corobrik has provided them with unique insights into the needs and interests of their colleagues.”

He says that the placement of 26% of Corobrik (Pty) Ltd into employees’ hands has already proven to be effective for both employees and the organisation.

“Employees who have worked at Corobrik for more than a year are eligible for nomination. It is right that a company’s staff are influential in the business trajectory. It creates a really positive and productive environment.”