As Reggie Moloi, a Senior Manager of Cemeteries and Crematoria for Joburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), prepares to bid his colleagues goodbye at the end of September 2023, he does so with a sense of fulfillment. Having served residents of Johannesburg for 35 years, Reggie describes his journey as nothing short of exhilarating. “I’ve seen all of the transformations of the City. It was a very nice rollercoaster.”
Born in Soweto, Reggie’s path to his current role has been inspiring and full of determination. He started working in 1979 as a driver at a factory in Doornfontein. He transitioned to being a computer technician at a mine. In 1988, he officially joined the City.
His initial role was at Brixton Fire Station as a paramedic, a position that allowed him to make a difference in people’s lives during emergencies. He moved to Jabulani Fire Station, where his leadership qualities shone, leading to his promotion to station commander.
As the city underwent significant changes in 1996, Reggie’s background in management and role as a shop steward made him a natural fit for the position of labour relations manager.
Reggie pursued higher education, completing a Certificate in Advanced Labour Relations at Unisa School of Business Leadership, an Advanced Diploma in Labour Relations at the University of Pretoria, and an Advanced Diploma in Labour Law at the then RAU (now University of Johannesburg).
He was appointed performance manager at City Parks and Zoo before becoming a cemeteries manager in 2006. This role allowed him to serve bereaved families of Johannesburg, helping them find closure during difficult times. In 2016, he returned to the cemeteries department driven by a deep attachment to the work and the promise of providing compassionate service to the community.
Reflecting on his time with the City, Reggie speaks fondly of the opportunities he received. The City provided him with stable employment, a housing subsidy that enabled him to buy a home for his family, and the means to provide quality education for his children, securing a brighter future for them. His dedication also led to numerous study opportunities.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Reggie is passionate about soccer, having coached at Panorama Sports Club from 2018 to 2020. His commitment to nurturing talent extended into his professional life, where he empowered women by appointing the first female head gardeners and cemeteries coordinators.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of his career is the closure he brought to grieving families. A young woman who had lost her mother as a child and was left in the dark about her final resting place eventually located her grave. Reggie and his team embarked on a two-month search, scouring archives, and eventually found the grave at Avalon Cemetery.
Reggie emphasises the importance of service urgency, building strong relations with colleagues, and empowering others. He also stresses the value of fulfilling contractual obligations and being knowledgeable about one’s job.
Reggie’s parting shot: “JCPZ is a good, profitable company and in good hands.” He extends his gratitude to the City and JCPZ, mentors Allan Buff and Patrick Meyer and the rest of his colleagues.
Reggie looks forward to exploring consulting opportunities and spending quality time with his family and friends.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
29/09/2023