Violet Mamabolo: From Apprentice To Rising Lifting Technician
Violet Mamabolo’s journey into the lifting industry reflects determination, technical growth, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
After matriculating from Hwiti High School in 2018 with Geography and Life Sciences, she faced financial constraints that delayed her pursuit of higher education. Rather than allowing these challenges to define her future, Violet established a small beauty business in 2019, working as a nail and eyelash technician. Managing her own business developed strong customer service skills, financial accountability, discipline, entrepreneurship, and exceptional attention to detail.
Although successful in business, her passion remained firmly rooted in engineering and heavy machinery. In 2021, Violet enrolled at Capricorn TVET College to pursue Mechanical Engineering studies. Through dedication and perseverance, she successfully completed her N1 to N3 qualifications in 2023. Subjects such as Diesel Trade Theory, Mathematics, Engineering Science, and Engineering Drawing provided her with a solid technical foundation and prepared her for a career in the lifting industry. Her academic achievements led to her selection for the Johnson Crane Hire Apprenticeship Programme in 2023, marking the beginning of an exciting and rewarding career within the lifting sector. Technical competence has been the cornerstone of Violet’s apprenticeship journey.
Since joining Johnson Crane Hire, she has gained extensive practical experience in the maintenance, servicing, fault finding, and repair of mobile hydraulic cranes, telehandlers, and mobile elevating work platforms. Her exposure ranges from smaller 35 tons and 40 tons to large lifting machines exceeding 750 tons. Violet routinely performs preventative maintenance, replaces hydraulic hoses and pipes, installs hydraulic cylinders and pumps, services engines, inspects and adjusts braking systems, and supports structural repairs.
She has also assisted with major rebuild projects and component replacements on Grove, Tadano, and Liebherr cranes.
Violet demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development. In 2026, she is completing the final phase of her Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship and preparing for her trade test. Beyond formal training requirements, she actively studies technical manuals, participates in workplace learning opportunities, learns from experienced technicians, and continuously seeks ways to improve her knowledge and capabilities. Innovation and problem-solving are key strengths that distinguish Violet in the workplace. Her entrepreneurial background taught her to analyse challenges critically, think creatively, and develop practical solutions.
When conducting fault-finding activities, she follows a structured and methodical approach to identify root causes rather than merely addressing symptoms. Safety remains one of Violet’s highest priorities. She consistently adheres to Occupational Health and Safety requirements, lockout procedures, inspection protocols, and manufacturer recommendations. Her proactive identification of equipment risks demonstrates her commitment to protecting employees, equipment, and operations. Throughout her apprenticeship, Violet has consistently demonstrated her ability to work effectively with technicians, operators, supervisors, and support personnel.
She actively contributes to team objectives by communicating clearly, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues whenever required. In addition to her apprenticeship responsibilities, Violet serves as the Owner and Director of JayVee Saloons (Pty) Ltd. Successfully managing a business while completing a demanding technical apprenticeship demonstrates exceptional organisational ability, accountability, time management, and leadership potential.
Feedback from supervisors and colleagues consistently highlights Violet’s strong work ethic, professionalism, determination, and positive attitude. One of her most significant achievements is being on track to become Johnson Crane Hire’s first black female technician.
As she prepares to complete her trade qualification, Violet remains committed to advancing her technical expertise while contributing to a safer, more innovative, and more inclusive future for the Southern African lifting industry.
Johnson Crane Hire,
+27 (0) 67 622 5093,
Congrats Violet, super proud of you🎉