What is your full name?
What is your full name?Buyisiwe Ellina Bhembe
What is your professional job title?
Secretary to the General Manager – Eskom Kendal Power Station
Tell us more about yourself and the role you fulfil at your company.
I was born in Volksrust a small town in Mpumalanga now staying in Witbank. Mother of one daughter (20yrs). Holds a higher Certificate in IT (PC Training and Business College), Certificate in Customer Relationship Management (Unisa) various Secretarial certificates and currently studying towards National Diploma in Business Management. I am Christian, love singing, reading, cooking, travelling and outdoors.
Duties Included:
Diary Management- GM, screening, re-routing of telephone calls and taking of messages , Booking venues for functions, Arranging meetings, Creating purchase requisitions in SAP and EBP(SRM), Attending to queries, Managing incoming mail for PSM, including email, Monthly Management Reports, Internal boardrooms management, Stationery & Office supplies ordering, Travel arrangements including expense claims ,Typing, Filing , Power Point Presentations, Minute taking, Events Management, Assisting with the Newsletter, arranging and taking minutes at the Stakeholder Forum and other general office duties
What does a typical day in your life look like?
Checking what in the diary the daily – Ensuring there is no double bookings, scheduling appointments and confirming appointments. Working with highly confidential information. Answering and re directing calls. Boardrooms Management – Boardrooms booking. Signature Documents – having an effective document control system. Typing – letters, minutes, responding to Emails.
Attending to adhoc queries from management team members, other personnel and contractors.
Checking for updates and latest communication from head office and communicating to other Secretaries and Admin Clerks. Purchasing of stationery and other necessities on SAP. Act as Supervisor to other Admin and cleaning staff.
Finish this sentence: The ideal way to start my day is …
Praying and thanking God for life and asking for strength for the new day.
What are the most important tools, programs and systems you use for your work?
Microsoft Outlook for scheduling appointments, Microsoft Tasks to plan my day, Microsoft word for typing and SAP for ordering office supplies.
What are your favourite apps and why?
- WhatsApp – for easier communication to my family, manager, colleagues and outside world.
- LinkedIn – to keep me update about what is happening in profession
- Facebook – to be in contact with people in my circle
How do you deal with conflicts or problems in the office?
I believe confrontation is still the best way to resolve any conflict and if I am at fault apologising and moving on.
Do you have some advice for aspiring Office Professionals?
Excel in what you do, keep on learning , ask if you are not sure, go that extra mile and strive for perfection and lastly share information – Mentor somebody.
Finish this sentence: My favourite thing about being an Office Professional is …
Supernaturally Helping Others Excel Stylishly! (Shoes)