Meet Ishaara Takoorparsadh: 29-Year NOSA Veteran with a Passion for People
Ishaara Takoorparsadh‘s remarkable 29-year journey with NOSA is a testament to her unwavering dedication and love for people. As a Training and Auditing Coordinator in the, NOSA Auditing Division, Ishaara’s kindness, compassion, and expertise have made her a beloved figure in the office.
“I want my legacy to be that every person I’ve encountered or interacted with will remember me for how I made them feel. I truly care about my colleagues and clients, and I always aim to make people feel valued,” Ishaara shares.
Ishaara’s NOSA story began in 1993 as a temporary Receptionist/Office Administrator in Pietermaritzburg. Her permanent employment contract in 1995 marked the start of an incredible journey.
“In 1995, I was offered a position with NOSA and signed my first permanent employment contract. Twenty-nine years later, here I am, and still loving and enjoying my NOSA journey. I worked at the NOSA Pietermaritzburg office for around six years and then transferred to the NOSA Pinetown office. I was offered the position of Auditing Coordinator and remained in office for three years. My family then relocated from Pietermaritzburg to Pretoria. I applied for a transfer and joined the NOSA Head Office in Pretoria in 2002. I was offered a position as Consulting Coordinator and shortly thereafter transferred to NOSA Mining Division as Training and Auditing Coordinator,” explains Ishaara.
‘Relationships Are Key’
For Ishaara, maintaining strong relationships with reporting line managers and clients is crucial. “This results in career satisfaction and keeps me motivated and passionate about my work.” She also appreciates NOSA’s flexibility, which allows her to grow and overcome challenges.
Ishaara’s highlights on the job include preparing for their annual Regional Awards and NOSCAR banquets, where clients are honoured for excellence. “Here we honour and celebrate our clients and individuals who have achieved excellence during their annual grading audits. My interactions with clients are mainly via email correspondence and telephonic conversations. On occasion, like the NOSCAR Banquet, I get to personally introduce myself to my clients and that is a truly an “Awe” moment with lots of excitement and further introduction to their top managers. This interaction with clients is extremely special,”
The 2023 Long Service Awards ceremony held special significance for Ishaara, as she received recognition for her tireless commitment: “This was my most exciting accomplishment. It was truly an honour.”
Overcoming Challenges
When audits are postponed or cancelled at the last minute, Ishaara’s expertise shines: “I am then faced with quickly looking for solutions to accommodate clients and also take into consideration to ensure that the company is not losing man days and revenue. I can remain calm and creative to resolve a problem when dealing with demanding clients through good communication and listening skills, maintaining a solid, respectful relationship with clients.”
Ishaara’s expert advice to clients and organisations emphasises the paramount importance of workplace safety. “First and foremost, safety protects employees from injuries, fostering a happy and productive work environment,” she notes. “I also highlight the financial benefits of a safe workplace, reducing workers’ compensation claims and lost productivity. By prioritising safety, companies build a secure foundation, safeguarding their employees’ well-being and fundamental rights – and ultimately, their success.”
Embracing OHS Developments
The evolving OHS landscape, driven by technological advancements and new software, excites Ishaara. “The OHS landscape has undergone remarkable transformations, fuelled by technological advancements and innovative products. These advancements have helped me to grow and develop rapidly in my career. I love the concept of ongoing evolution and personal upskilling to perform daily tasks adequately and stress-free. Internal communication platforms, such as Townhall Meetings, have been instrumental in keeping me informed and engaged, keeping us in the loop with company activities and achievements.”
Ishaara says what distinguishes NOSA from other industry leaders is their unique intellectual property and proprietary offerings. “Specifically our renowned NOSA Five Star System (OHS) and NOSA Integrated Five Star System (HSE); specialised addenda for mining, forestry, rail, and derived measurement systems; our exclusive NOSA Grading audits, conducted through our rigorous 10-step process; our expert evaluation using DIFR (OHS/HSE experience) and effort calculation via our proprietary NOSA scoring methodology and the issuance of prestigious NOSA Star grading certificates,” she explained, adding that: “All associated media, materials, and audit services are proprietary to NOSA, and only accredited NAIS auditors are authorised to provide audits leading to NOSA grading outcomes. These unique offerings, combined with our accredited NAIS auditors, set NOSA apart as a leader in occupational health, safety, and environmental auditing.”
A Legacy of Pride and Safety
Ishaara’s guiding motto, “Do your work with pride, but safety is every stride,” reflects her commitment. As an Auditing Coordinator, she has created and implemented new admin processes and as she continues to mentor new employees, her legacy shines bright: “I take pride in mentoring and transferring knowledge to new employees. This gives me a sense of symbolic immortality.”
Outside the office, Ishaara continues to build her family legacy. Married to retired police officer Jay Takoorparsadh, they have two children: Levanya, 37, an advocate, and Keathan, 34, a member of the South African Police Service. Ishaara beams with pride as she adds: “I am also a proud grandmother to my precious, adorable grandson, Gio Evan, who is 5 years old.”
-
Year: 1999 - NOSA exhibited at a conference in Durban
-
Year: 2001 - NOSA Regional Banquet – KwaZulu Natal. 1st row bottom from left – Lindiwe Khumalo / Phumi Mabaso / Bukhosi Shabane / Ishaara Takoorparsadh / Leon Lourens 2nd row middle from left – Dr Pine Pienaar / Elizabeth Wright / Late, Rita v Der Spuy / Jenny Ric-Hansen / Isabell Lourens / Barbara Crouch / Late, Mike Waugh. 3rd row on top from left - Peru James / Craig Patrick / Charl Chapman / Segran Reddy
-
Year 2009: Ishaara Takoorparsadh
-
Year: 2000 - NOSCAR Banquet. Photo from left: Tia Haydock(Jet Demolition) Ishaara Takoorparsadh (NOSA) & Joe & Liz Brinkmann, (the founders, owners and Directors of Jet Demolition)
-
Year: 2024 - NSCOAR Banquet. Photo from left: Ishaara Takoorparsadh (Nosa) / Johan Rheeder (NOSA - Technical Manager Auditing)
