From Curiosity to Calling, Thandiwe Shozi Shares Her Successful Journey in OHS
What began as a spontaneous university application turned into a lifelong passion for Thandiwe Shozi, now a seasoned SHERQ Manager with over nine years of experience in occupational health and safety, environmental management, risk, and quality assurance.
Thandiwe’s journey started in 2012 when she selected “Environmental Health” on her university application form. “I thought it had something to do with the environment and people’s health. I had no idea it would lead to OHS, waste management, and quality systems,” she laughs. But once enrolled, she quickly fell in love with the field’s breadth and relevance. “It just aligned with my personality. I’m a people’s person, and it gave me a chance to help others while growing myself.”
Thandiwe Shozi: Paying It Forward as a Mentor in the OHS Field
Her early career at South African Bulk Terminals shaped her professional growth. Starting as an intern, she rose through the ranks to become Senior SHERQ Specialist and mentor to new interns – a role she embraced wholeheartedly. “Someone once gave me a chance, and I wanted to do the same for others.”
Seeking growth beyond job titles, Thandiwe later made the bold decision to join a chemical distribution company as a SHEQ Officer to gain exposure to ISO 9001 quality management systems. “It was a step down on paper, but a step up in learning. I chose growth over comfort.” That decision soon paid off when she was offered her current role at Pindulo VDM, a logistics solutions provider based in the Western Cape.
Throughout her career, continuous learning has been a pillar of her success. “My university course was broad. I wanted to specialise in health, safety and environment compliance. I needed to equip myself, so I did short courses to align with my role.”
SafetyCloud Courses Fuel Thandiwe Shozi’s Climb in OHS Leadership
Thandiwe chose SafetyCloud as her safety education provider due to their reputation and training expertise. She says their online learning platforms also accommodate flexibility, allowing individuals to juggle work and family life.
Thandiwe has completed several SafetyCloud courses over the years, including Incident Investigation (Level 3) and First Aid, as well as Process Safety Management (NEBOSH).
This has helped her progress in her career.
In the same spirit of giving others a chance and opportunities, Thandiwe also used SafetyCloud for her team’s development, enrolling them in Legal Liability, SHE Representative, Firefighting, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA), Risk Categorisation and Assessment Technique (RCAT), and other courses. “SafetyCloud’s training is rigorous, relevant, and backed by assessments that really test understanding. Whether it’s me or a team member attending, I know we’ll walk away with real knowledge. I also use NOSA for our legal compliance audits – I trust their expertise and processes.”
Digital Learning, Real Impact: Thandiwe Shozi’s Formula for Growth
Looking ahead, Thandiwe sees mental health and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives playing a greater role in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). “We need to recognise psychological safety as part of workplace safety. A healthy mind leads to safer decisions.”
Her advice to those entering the SHERQ space? “Take short courses, stay informed through LinkedIn and professional bodies. Also remember, you can have all the qualifications, but without experience, it’s not enough – and the reverse is also true. Qualifications and experience must go hand in hand.”
She stresses that upskilling is key for professionals already on the job and is a strong advocate for digital learning. “SafetyCloud’s E-learning platforms give you the flexibility to plan around work, family and studying. I’m working and studying – I never stop. The industry is always changing, and to stay relevant, you need to keep learning. It’s not easy, but it’s doable through planning and discipline.”
As South Africa marks Workers’ Month this May, Thandiwe encourages active participation in workplace safety. “As workers, we have rights – but we also have responsibilities. Let’s work with our employers toward safer workplaces. Safety starts with me and you. Whether you’re at the top or bottom of the organisation, safety is everyone’s business. We come to work, and we must all go home safe.”
