GRACE, DISCIPLINE, AND PERSEVERANCE

From the bread slicer to the boardroom, my life stands as living proof that when grace meets perseverance, purpose is born.”  Rachael Gillespie is the major shareholder of Rotacon Engineering, a proudly South African mechanical engineering business specialising in fabrication and machining. Born in Durban and raised in Chatsworth, Rachel’s journey didn’t begin in the boardroom.

After matriculating in 1994, she faced a series of closed doors including missing a teaching college acceptance by a single point, a police service opportunity lost to a missing document, and university studies halted by f inancial constraints. Determined to work, Rachael started as a general labourer packing shelves at a local supermarket, and was eventually promoted to bread slicer. She commented, “What seemed like failure at the time was, in truth redirection, as one day my mother stepped into the supermarket and saw me slicing bread.

She went home crying as she felt that I could do better, so she spoke to my father.” At the time Rachael’s father was working for Rotacon Engineering, which was founded in 1979 by her husband, Dennis Gillespie. Reflecting on her journey, Rachael explained, “In 1996, a door opened at Rotacon. My twin sister, Leah, vacated her role as receptionist of Rotacon to take a role at a sister company, just to make room for me to take her position as receptionist.”

From Receptionist to Shareholder

What began as an administrative role soon grew into a lifelong calling. Starting without computer literacy, Rachael relied on discipline and grace. “I immersed myself in every aspect of the business – from administration to purchasing, customer relations to technical operations. By 2002, I had become a 17% shareholder. Today, I am proud to serve as the managing director and majority shareholder with 87% ownership. Her rise through the company was not fuelled by formal engineering qualifications but by determination and an unyielding commitment to excellence. “I do not hold a degree in engineering, so what I know today has come from working for 29 years in the business, learning the trade, and having a strong team around me,” she explained.

Rotacon Engineering has grown into a trusted name in fabrication and precision machining, servicing industries across Africa with the capacity to handle components up to 16 tons. “Our computer numerical control (CNC) machinery capacity is what has really put us out there, so we are able to supply any industry in Africa and beyond.” Rachael credits her achievements to ‘hard work, dedication, and the blessings of God’. She shared sincerely. “We are nothing without Him, so all glory belongs to Him.

The Power of People For Rachael, family has always been at the centre of everything. “My biggest dream has always been to make a difference in someone’s life,” she said. “I love people, and I have always been passionate about mentoring and upliftment. Through the success of the business, we are able to enrich the lives of others, and that is one of my dreams that has been fulfilled.” When speaking of her inspiration, Rachael’s gratitude shines through. “I cannot say it is one person, because there are so many people around me who have inspired me,” she reflected.

“My husband has given me the opportunity to take the business to the next level for the future. My family has also played a big part. My parents sacrificed a lot in their lives to give us an education. My father has passed away, but my mother is still living and she has been a pillar of strength.” Her siblings and extended family continue to motivate her. “They have always believed in me,” she said. “Sometimes you think you cannot do the things you want to do, but they have encouraged me along the way. I am very involved in my church, and my church family has been a huge encouragement, especially my Pastor Ralph Ellaya who continues to give me Godly wisdom and guidance.” T his love for people extends beyond her family and congregation into the professional world.

“Because I love people, I have built close relationships with our customers and suppliers,” she explained. “Through that trust, we receive a lot of support, and that has really helped the business.” Rotacon’s growth has been complemented by Rachael’s leadership and the company’s strong commitment to transformation. “Since becoming the majority shareholder, we have achieved level one BBBEE status, which has helped the business tremendously,” she said. “We do work for government, and with the current policies, that compliance is essential. Being a woman has also been an advantage in that space.”

Empowering Women As a woman leading an engineering company, Rachael is acutely aware of the challenges that come with working in a traditionally male-dominated environment. “When you interact with men in this industry, they sometimes tend to look down on you, as if you do not know what you are talking about,” she admitted. “But I have always remained professional and just been myself. The results speak for themselves. It has proven that women can succeed in a male dominated industry.” Under her leadership, Rotacon has made a deliberate effort to employ women in key roles. “I want women to know that they can succeed in this industry,” Rachael emphasised.

“My success in the business has proven that, and I hope it inspires others. I love empowering people, and that has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.” Her advice to young women is simple but powerful. “Believe in yourself,” she urged. “Do not let the world define who you are. Especially now, in the age we are living in with technology, women often feel they have to live up to a certain standard. My advice is just to be yourself. Believe in yourself and know that you can do anything you put your mind to.”

Looking ahead, Rachael has clear goals for both her company and her personal mission. “The aim is for the business to diversify and to keep growing,” she said. “Through the business being financially successful, we are able to uplift people who are less fortunate. That is my dream, to use the company as a platform to empower people.” For Rachael, the heart of any organisation lies in its people. “I believe that people are the biggest asset in any business,” she said firmly. “Without your employees, the business would not be where it is today.”

Finding Balance Despite her busy schedule, Rachael makes time for the things that keep her grounded. “I love the outdoors,” she said with a smile. “I am a drone enthusiast, so I fly my drone in my spare time. I spend a lot of time with family and friends, and I am very involved in my church. I try not to take the business home, especially because my husband is also in the business. We leave work at work and home is home.”

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