Anitha Chuttergoon is our Working Class Hero!
We asked you to nominate your Working Class Hero in celebration of Workers Day. We had scores of great entries and a hard time choosing who our winner should be.
We asked you to nominate your Working Class Hero in celebration of Workers Day. We had scores of great entries and a hard time choosing who our winner should be.
After much deliberation, our panel of judges decided on single mother Anitha Chuttergoon, whose job is to manufacture parachutes.
Anitha’s daughter, Roxanne, nominated her mum for the competition. She wrote:
“My mum is a single parent and she works overtime every afternoon, as well as Saturdays. She works VERY hard, and the job she does (manufacturing parachutes) is very strenuous and physical! So if anyone DESERVES a break, and a bit of spoiling, it’s her!'
We chatted to Anitha during her tea break at work today. She says she had no idea that Roxanne had nominated her and was very surprised and happy to learn that she had won the dinner vouchers from Plaka.
(Above: Roxanne and Anitha)
Anitha’s explained that her company manufactures parachutes for the SA military and police service, as well as for other countries.
“It’s a very interesting job to do, and you know that every day you are working you are actually handling people’s lives, because every little thing you do – when they jump, they have to know it’s sewn and put together to perfection because their life is practically in your hands when they jump. Everything we do we have to check, and re-check, and make sure it’s correct, and we also have special inspectors who are qualified to check everyone’s work before it’s passed and sent to our customers,” she said.
“Sometimes I come home with my hands and legs straining. To put the bag and the chute together – a lot of work goes into it, and it takes it out of us physically, all of us.”
“It’s very interesting … sometimes it’s very difficult, but I really enjoy my work.”
Roxanne adds: “I am extra proud of my mum because she is determined and hard working …She is also my best friend, she's so amazing to me. She always puts the needs of her family before her own, and is full of love and life. She’s positive and always keeps me motivated. She makes me such a proud daughter!”
Thanks to everyone who entered, and well done to Anitha and Roxanne, enjoy the Plaka dinner vouchers!