4 Loyalty and dedication to one’s work are merits that define success, and few people embody these qualities better than Paulos Buthulezi. His journey from a general worker to a senior shift supervisor is a testament to perseverance, commitment, and a deep-rooted belief in patience and growth. Born in Ulundi in 1962, Paulos moved to Richards Bay in 1984 to pursue welding at Msimbi College. However, his academic aspirations were cut short when the college shut down, forcing him to seek an alternative career paths. Later that year, he joined Mondi as a general worker, steadily climbing the ranks to become an assistant operator. His 12-year time at Mondi laid the foundation for his growth, and despite resigning in 1996 due to a package offer, his journey was far from over. After taking a year off, Paulos resumed work at ShinCel in 1998 as a plant controller. Through pure dedication, he earned a promotion to plant supervisor, proving that consistency and a strong work ethic yield reward. His biggest breakthrough came in 2001 when he joined NCT Richards Bay Wood Chips (NCT), where he continued his trajectory of growth, serving as a plant supervisor for over two decades before stepping into his current role as a senior shift supervisor in 2023. Managing operations across NCT BayFibre and Richards Bay Wood Chips presents daily challenges, but Paulos navigates them with unwavering dedication. His open communication style and problem-solving approach, inspired by his mentor, Ryno Martyn, have made him a father figure to his colleagues. His belief in hands-on leadership has played a crucial role in his professional growth, proving that staying engaged and involved leads to success. Paulos works tirelessly, often exceeding his nine-hour shifts and remaining on standby 24/7. His daily responsibilities include: • Conducting plant safety and security checks • Identifying defects in equipment • Managing staff and ensuring operational efficiency • Coordinating with the port for smooth ship loading operations • Conducting route inspections and overseeing cleanliness • Handling accident reports and disciplinary hearings • Maintaining constant communication with supervisors and team members His ability to stay calm under pressure was particularly evident during the devastating Richards Bay Wood Chips fire incident in 2023. Though deeply affected, he remained composed, learning valuable safety lessons and appreciating NCT’s efforts to retain staff during challenging times. Beyond his professional life, Paulos is a devoted family man. Having lost his first wife to cancer, he remarried in 2021 to a God-fearing woman who shares his values. He has raised five children, three of whom are teachers, one a logistics manager, and another in supply-chain management. His hope is that his youngest, an eight-month-old daughter, will become a doctor. Paulos also holds a diploma in Ministry and is passionate about serving his community. His belief in respect, humility, and patience is the driving force behind his success. He encourages the youth to embrace education and recognise the opportunities in the forestry industry. Through years of service, Paulos Buthulezi has demonstrated that loyalty to one’s work brings not only career advancement but also personal fulfilment. His life stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring professionals, proving that with commitment and resilience, growth is inevitable. A testament to loyalty and dedication Paulos Buthulezi
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