Rachael Gillespie

Rachael Gillespie is the major shareholder of Rotacon Engineering, a proudly South African mechanical engineering business specialising in fabrication and machining. “Basically, we make components,” she explained. “Anything from small parts 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.”

FROM RECEPTIONIST TO SHAREHOLDER
Rachael’s journey with Rotacon began almost three decades ago, in 1996, though her connection to the
company runs even deeper. “I finished matric in 1994 and started at Rotacon in 1996,” she recalled. “My father actually worked for the business, and my twin sister Leah was the receptionist at the time. She accepted another job at the sister company just so that I could have an opening at Rotacon.”

What began as an administrative role soon grew into a lifelong calling. “I started off as a receptionist in 1996,
and in 2002, I became a shareholder,” she said proudly. “From there, I learned more about the business and
built myself up. In 2024, I became the major shareholder, holding 87 percent shares in Rotacon.”

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.

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, always giving
me guidance.”

This 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 B-BBEE 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 maledominated 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 our 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."