At first, it was just another CV drop.
Like many young job seekers navigating Durban’s industrial hubs, Portia Mbewana walked through factory-lined streets submitting applications, hoping for an opportunity. What she didn’t expect was to step into an industry she had never fully considered — one that would quickly reveal itself as both complex and essential.
Today, just days into her role at BAP South Africa, Portia is already discovering that pallet manufacturing is far more than meets the eye.
“I didn’t realise how serious and detailed the pallet industry is,” she says. “There is so much precision involved — everything has to be measured correctly, or the whole pallet is affected.”
Originally from Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal, Portia’s journey reflects resilience and adaptability. After completing her schooling in Durban, she pursued a plumbing apprenticeship, gaining exposure to technical work and hands-on problem solving. Although the programme was cut short, it laid a foundation that would later support her transition into manufacturing environments.
She went on to work in the cosmetics sector, where she gained experience in packaging processes — from labelling and batching to final product preparation. That role, like many others at the time, was impacted by the Durban floods, forcing yet another reset in her career path.
Now at BAP South Africa, she finds herself at the start of a new chapter — one defined by learning, discipline, and opportunity.
Working within the production assembly line, Portia is responsible for ensuring that pallets are built with accuracy and consistency, using specialised tools and strict measurement guidelines. It is detailed work that demands focus, especially in an environment where quality directly impacts clients across multiple industries.
What has stood out most to her, however, is not just the technical side — but the people.
“The team is very supportive,” she shares. “Even though it’s a male-dominated environment, everyone is willing to teach and help you improve. They are patient, and they take safety very seriously.”
That emphasis on safety and precision is not accidental. At BAP South Africa, operational excellence is built through structure, training, and a culture that prioritises doing things correctly — every time.
Through her early days on the floor, Portia has also begun to understand the bigger picture: the role pallets play in global supply chains.
“Everything depends on pallets — from food products to chemicals and even cosmetics. Knowing that what we build here can be used all over the world is exciting.”
It’s a realisation that has shifted her perspective — from seeing pallets as simple wooden structures to recognising them as a critical component of global logistics.
Looking ahead, Portia is focused on growth.
Over the next six months, she aims to build confidence in reading job cards, improve her speed and accuracy in assembly, and expand her capabilities within the production environment. She is also exploring opportunities to gain a forklift licence, positioning herself to contribute more broadly across operations.
“I am still learning, but every day I improve. I want to get to a point where I fully understand the work and can perform it efficiently.”
Her approach is grounded in determination and curiosity — qualities she describes as her core strengths.
“I am resilient. When I want to achieve something, I stay committed. I observe, I ask questions, and I learn.”
Beyond her role, Portia values balance — using her time outside of work to rest, recharge, and stay informed about global current affairs. It’s a mindset that reflects both discipline and awareness — traits that will serve her well as she grows within the business.
For BAP South Africa, stories like Portia’s represent more than individual progress.
They reflect a broader commitment: creating opportunities, building skills, and developing a workforce capable of supporting long-term growth.
“I see that BAP is growing,” she says. “And as it grows, we are growing too. The skills we learn here are lifelong.”
As the company continues to expand its production capabilities, it is this combination of people, process, and purpose that will define its trajectory.
And for Portia, what started as a simple job search may well become the foundation of a long-term career in an industry full of untapped potential.
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