Meet Cherecé Roussouw, Accounts Administrator

Lithon couldn’t do without accounts administrator, Cherecé Roussouw, who keeps a lot of things in the office from falling apart! She’s the stylishly dressed, smiling face at the office that loves to help people. However, did you know that she’s completing an LLB and owns 25 pairs of shoes (even after giving a whole lot to charity)? We sat down with her to find out more!

1. When and how did you join Lithon?

My husband is from Namibia but studied architecture in Bloemfontein, and that’s where we met. After getting married in 2012, we moved back to Namibia. Soon after, I was lucky to find an admin position at Lithon where I’ve been part of the family for 10 years!

2.Tell us about your background and why you decided to join an engineering firm like Lithon?

I grew up in Kimberley in a business-minded family. They had a very successful company selling pumps and motors to the mines and earned the title ‘Best Company’ in 2000! Business was their life and I learnt a lot from them growing up, and later decided to study law – I’m specifically interested in the business side of law and mediating, and I am in my final year LLB. I didn’t know much about engineering when I joined Lithon but something I specifically enjoy is that my husband, who’s an architect, and I can take our December builders’ holidays together.

3. What does a typical day in your role as accounts administrator at Lithon look like?

Each day is different but some of my typical duties include account payments and reconciliations, making sure the kitchen, stationery and cleaning supplies are stocked up, being at the office, and generally making sure everyone has what they need, fiscally and emotionally. I love to assist people!

4. What do you love most about your job?

Connecting and talking with people. At Lithon I get to meet and help people every day. It’s lots of fun! I also love that Lithon is run like a business, but they treat us all like family.

5. What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned during your time at Lithon?

I’ve learnt a lot about integrity at Lithon, just by observing the behaviour of our leaders. I really admire our director, Frikkie Holtzhausen, who lives out integrity in everything he does.

6. How do you think engineering can contribute to building a better future for all?

I heard that the wheel was invented by someone who hates exercise, and that to me, sums up engineering! Also, the safety belt was invented by engineers at Volvo and that has saved so many lives, they never patent the idea since saving lives were more important than money to them. Engineers see problems and they come up with innovative solutions to solve them that truly make a difference.

7. Do you have any favourite projects at Lithon? Why are they favourites?

In 2012, we implemented an affirmative action plan at Lithon. That has been my baby and I’ve loved seeing Lithon evolve as a result. Affirmative action is all about creating equal opportunities and is so much more than just ticking the compliance boxes. It’s a process of constantly doing better when and where you can. I make sure Lithon keeps on track with everything.

8. Who has been your greatest inspiration?

My family and probably most notably, my father. I really do have the best dad! 😊 He gives the best advice and has always had a way of observing our emotions and then putting everything into perspective. His answer is always soft and gentle. I also have a fashion inspiration, who is without a doubt, Anna Wintour of Vogue! John D.

Rockefeller I will always admire for his innovativeness and business savvy.

9. What is a personal goal you’d like to achieve this year?

I want to complete my LLB degree before my son, Sebastian (who is 5), starts Grade 1. That’s going to happen in 2024, so I have one more year to get my certificate on the wall!

10. What is something most people don’t know about you?

I’m currently in the process of writing a non-fiction book for teenagers. My dream is to help empower young girls who might be in abusive relationships. I’m writing it to my younger self. 

I also love anything to do with fashion, especially shoes! Before I had kids, I used to have three closets full of shoes. It runs in the family too as my mom is the same, she has a great fashion sense!

11. What do you get up to while you’re not working?

I love playing with my sons. We like to explore new things and bake together. It’s chaos, but fun! I also love culture and visiting museums. Through the Royal Opera House and South African Heritage Portal you can visit a whole lot of museums virtually and I’ve been learning about the history of Johannesburg.