This Women’s Day, African Group Lubricants, (AG Lubricants) honours the remarkable women who quietly transform our everyday experiences into something meaningful and memorable. At the heart of the company’s production line is one such woman, Reginah Moloi, fondly known to everyone as Mamzo.
Since January 2023, Mamzo has been the warm, welcoming face behind the AG Lubricants canteen, a space that has grown into more than just a lunch stop. It is a place where camaraderie is nourished, where good food meets heartfelt conversation, and where employees are reminded that their wellbeing matters.
What started as a solution to workers needing to leave site for lunch has become a cornerstone of AG Lubricants’ culture of care. The on-site canteen, which provides subsidised meals to around 65 workers a day, has had a visible impact on morale, health, and overall workplace satisfaction. For many employees, it is their main meal of the day — and Mamzo’s legendary beef stew and chakalaka are always in high demand.
Over time, the menu has expanded to include wraps, burgers, and new favourites, reflecting not only a growing appetite but also the evolving tastes of a dynamic workforce. But more than the meals, it is Mamzo’s presence, warmth, laughter, and genuine care, that makes the canteen feel like home.
Originally running a small food stand in the local community, Mamzo was approached by AG Lubricants to head up the in-house canteen. The decision has paid off in more ways than one. By bringing her into the heart of the company, AG Lubricants has not only empowered a local entrepreneur but created a ripple effect of care, nourishment, and upliftment throughout the local community.
“Mamzo is much loved by all of us,” says Zandi Sigabi, Human Resources Manager at AG Lubricants. “She plays a vital role in the lives of our workers, and the canteen has become a symbol of how we value our people.”
Zandi, who also oversees Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at the company, notes that the canteen is more than just a workplace perk, it is an embodiment of AG Lubricants’ commitment to community and empowerment. In partnership with the Ekurhuleni West College (EWC), the company now hosts catering and hospitality in-service students who receive part of their practical training in the canteen. These students rotate through on a regular basis, assisting Mamzo while gaining invaluable real-world experience.
“This partnership reflects our belief that women, from the canteen to the boardroom, are key drivers of societal and economic growth,” explains Zandi. “Mamzo represents the strength, compassion, and quiet leadership that Women’s Day celebrates.”
As South Africa honours the women who shape our lives, AG Lubricants proudly recognises the everyday impact of women like Mamzo. Her story is a reminder that leadership comes in many forms, and that even the smallest acts, like serving a warm plate of food, can leave the biggest impression. “Happy Women’s Day, Mamzo. You are the heart of AG Lubricants!” concludes Zandi
