From Cleaner to Office Administrator
For Kedibone Mimi Sechuane, the months since her appointment as Office Administrator in our East London Office in May 2025 have been nothing short of life changing. Determined to rewrite her story, all she needed was someone to show her the ropes and financial support to pursue her studies. With the NBCRFLI Bursary and a kind colleague as a mentor by her side, Kedibone has not only rebuilt her career but changed her life in a remarkable way.
Below is her inspirational story:
In 2016, Kedibone walked into the Council's Klerksdorp office to start her new job as a cleaner. It was a start over for her after life took an unexpected turn. Originally from Klerksdorp in the North West province, Kedibone matriculated in 1996, completed several short courses, and worked in various administrative positions in the engineering sector from Data Capturer to Secretary.
The cleaner post might have seemed to many as a downgrade, but for Kedibone, it was the first step towards rebuilding her career and changing her life for the better.
While she kept the offices spotless, she used the extra time wisely. Under the guidance of her mentor, Patience Motaung, she learned NBCRFLI's administrative systems like K2, CMS, and Telnet. Her past administrative experience came in handy for her, in no time she had grasped all the knowledge about the systems and in some point had acted on the position of Office Administrator in the Klerksdorp Office.
In 2021 Kedibone pursued her Management Assistant Diploma with Springfield TVET College, courtesy of NBCRFLI Employee Bursary Scheme. She admits that it was during this period that she revived her self-belief, from getting to work early to fulfil her cleaning duties, and then administrative work during normal business hours and later attending to her studies. "I saw that I can manage when I reported for duty at 7am to ensure the office is clean then switching to admin work and going for classes after work in the afternoon," she says.
So, when the Office Administrator position was advertised in the East London office early 2024, she didn't hesitate — in fact, she believes she was the first one to apply.
The day she was offered the role felt surreal. "I thought I was dreaming," she recalls. "But once I signed the contract, I knew it was real. God had answered my prayers."
Today, Kedibone's role includes compiling monthly reports, handling queries, opening enforcement cases, capturing referrals, and even stepping in for an Agent when needed. She thrives on meeting people from all walks of life and tackling the unique challenges they bring.
The promotion has brought her more than just professional growth. It's given her peace of mind, the ability to work toward personal goals that were once out of reach, and the determination to keep learning — including mastering Xhosa.
Her message to others is clear:
"Step out of your comfort zone and see challenges as opportunities. Keep learning, whether through short courses or reading, and remember that patience is truly a virtue."
Kedibone's journey is proof that your starting point does not determine your destination. With dedication, continuous learning, and the courage to seize opportunities, you can rewrite your story.
Congratulations, Kedibone — your journey inspires us all.