Maintenance keeps Matlatsa on the go

.

fixer: Its Catherine Matlatsas job to ensure that Boston students and staff have the best conditions to work in.

What does your job entail?

My job is to ensure that the Boston head office building in Orange Grove is well maintained and running efficiently, so that employees and students can get on with their jobs and activities.

It is my duty to see to it that everything is in working order. I am responsible for getting things repaired and this involves getting quotations and paying service providers such as electricians, handymen and plumbers.

My job also includes making sure that the building meets health and safety requirements.

Describe a typical day.

I inspect the building and grounds every day. I check, among other things, that classrooms are in a good condition; that everything is clean, especially the bathrooms; that every tap in the building works; that window blinds can open and close and that desks and chairs are in working order.

Once my checking is done, I make a list of all the problems and start getting them sorted out. I have to decide which ones are priorities, and when and how they should be fixed.

I get quotations, choose service providers and order all types of goods needed for building maintenance. I consult my boss, who then gives me the go-ahead.

Then there’s admin to be done, which includes checking that service providers have been paid and ordering stationery for head office and for our 48 branches. I also check that work is carried out properly and on time – you can’t have a bathroom out of order for too long, for example.

What are your biggest challenges?

Ensuring the building is spotless and fully functional at all times and dealing with emergencies.

And the biggest reward?

It’s when people notice that everywhere they go, things work and are clean and they thank me for it.

What does one need to succeed as a building manager?

You must be patient and ask for help when you need it. You always have to learn new things because things change all the time – blinds, taps, doors, you name it. You need to be able to work with people and manage projects well.

You must be modest and never say: “This is not my job.” If no one else is available, you have to be prepared to help someone and even make tea for guests in the boardroom.

You need computer literacy skills and to be able to operate office equipment – I often have to explain how to work things to the other staff.

What is your background?

I live in Alex, which is not too far from work, and have two children.

My daughter is studying travel and tourism at Boston and my son is in Grade 8.

I started working at Boston in 1991 as a cleaner.

I never imagined that one day I would sit at a desk and have my own computer.

Throughout the years, Boston has given me lots of training in subjects such as life skills, reception, switchboard, typing and computers, including a certificate course.

I was properly trained and then promoted to receptionist and then to building manager.