For decades, farmers have relied on the quality and durability of Drotsky’s products. Since the company’s establishment in 1962, Drotsky has grown into a name that farmers not only trust but depend on.
This growth is largely thanks to the dedicated employees who build and maintain Drotsky’s machines every day.
It is not only the men in the company who give their best, but the women as well. This Women’s Month, Drotsky pays tribute to the women who give their all in the factory before returning home to fulfil the roles of wives, mothers, sisters and pillars of strength for their families.
Drotsky’s first female welder joined the company in 1985. During those years, the male welders frequently went on strike.
One day, when they once again failed to report for work, Juliet, who was employed as a cleaner at the time, was outside cleaning the walls. Mr. Van der Ryst, the manager at the time, told his colleagues that she was reliable, reported for duty every day, and that they should give her the opportunity to become a welder.
Juliet learned to weld and paved the way for women in the company. She remained a loyal employee of Drotsky until her retirement in 2019.
One of the female welders at Drotsky.
Today, there are three other female welders at Drotsky, each with her own inspiring story.
Bongeka joined Drotsky after a member of the management team met her outside the local grocery store. It was her warm and genuine manner that convinced him to give her an opportunity. When he asked what kind of work she did, Bongeka burst into tears and explained that she had just lost her job at the store. Without hesitation, he offered her a position as a welder at Drotsky.
The other two women, Thandi and Thembi, came to the farm looking for work. Thandi initially started as a farm worker before later qualifying as a welder. Thembi first looked after cattle before also joining the factory workforce.
At Drotsky, management believes not only in investing in the company but also in its people.
In 2025, Drotsky trained 18 women as welders. In addition to providing welding qualifications, the company places great importance on the well-being of every employee. That is why every worker receives a warm cooked lunch every day.
Management also understands the challenges faced by working women and is willing to make allowances when employees experience personal difficulties. Their door is always open whenever arrangements need to be made.
Beyond the welders, Drotsky’s day-to-day operations are kept running by the company’s capable receptionists, without whom the business simply could not function.
The three receptionists, Alomia, Fouzia and Sarah, have a combined 54 years of service at Drotsky, an average of 18 years each. They are the backbone of the company and are often the first and last point of contact for Drotsky’s customers.
There is also Saartjie, who prepares meals every day and ensures that the workers enjoy healthy, nutritious food; the women who keep the spare parts store running efficiently; and Basi, who operates the plasma cutting machine.
The women who work at Drotsky not only work as hard as the men but have also demonstrated exceptional loyalty to the company over the years. They report for duty every day and consistently deliver work of the highest quality.
This August, we celebrate the women who do it all, those who give their very best in the Drotsky factory before returning home to care for the well-being of their families.
Drotsky would like to pay special tribute to the dedication of each of these women. They not only work alongside demanding colleagues every day but also have families who depend on them. They are truly exceptional.
