Simphiwe Mathebula
Nelspruit
Summary
Engineering graduate with a unique blend of technical expertise and international luxury sales experience. Skilled at managing complex technical projects while building high-stakes client relationships and driving brand loyalty. A strong cross-functional communicator uniquely positioned to translate advanced engineering concepts into high-value commercial solutions.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Brand Ambassador
Effy Jewelry
, United States
12.2023 - Current
- Luxury Cruise Specialist: Proven track record driving high-value fine jewellery sales to high-net-worth guests during exclusive VIP cruises.
- Brand Storyteller: Builds immediate guest rapport using deep gemstone knowledge and emotional storytelling to close complex sales.
- Executed dynamic "selling and closing on the mic" strategies during main-stage theatre pitches and live, in-store VIP events, enhancing audience engagement and driving sales.
- Revenue Driver: Consistently exceeds weekly sales targets through persuasive ship-wide broadcasting and strategic cross-marketing.
- Team Leader: Experienced in coaching, mentoring, and motivating retail teams to consistently achieve high-volume onboard sales targets.
- Managed high-value inventory control and luxury visual merchandising, ensuring optimal presentation and accuracy in daily revenue reporting.
Educator
Uplands College
, South Africa
04.2021 - 12.2023
- Taught senior phase technology classes as an engineering graphics and design teacher.
- Educated students in mechanical and civil technology, using drawing equipment and AutoCAD.
- Assisted in teaching senior phase technology and FET EGD classes.
- Aided in teaching information technology classes.
- Prepared and facilitated practical experiments as locum lab assistant, supporting hands-on learning for various grades.
- Led 3D printing sessions for students, guiding them through the process.
- Guided learners in co-curricular activities, fostering skills development and teamwork.
- Coached netball, enhancing students' athletic skills and promoting teamwork.
Personal Trainer
On Board Cruise Ships
, United States
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Achieved recognition as one of the top 10 best-performing fitness professionals globally within the first 3 months on board.
- Led daily classes and offered personal training sessions to guests.
- Conducted one-on-one consultations with guests to design personalised fitness programmes.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, significantly improving guest satisfaction.
- Facilitated sales of health and wellness products, consistently achieving sales targets.
- Conducted health seminars to educate attendees on wellness topics.
Electrical Design Technician T11
Eskom Distribution
03.2012 - 07.2017
- Commissioned electrical distribution substations and conducted thorough testing of high voltage (HV) and medium voltage (MV) transformers to ensure operational reliability.
- Executed rapid fault finding at substations during critical network outages to minimise downtime and restore power promptly.
- Led MV and LV network strengthening projects to improve grid capacity, mitigate power failures, and optimize system performance.
- Designed medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) electrical power lines utilizing AutoCAD and MicroStation software to meet rigorous network standards.
- Prepared engineering packages, including single-line diagrams, schematic drawings, layout designs, and Bills of Materials (BOM) to support project delivery.
- Tested substation DC backup batteries to ensure absolute network reliability, emergency preparedness, and uninterrupted operations.
- Managed greenfield electrification projects for rural households, successfully expanding electrical grid access to previously un-serviced communities.
- Organised and facilitated site meetings with key external stakeholders, contractors, and project teams to ensure alignment and project compliance.
- Trained and mentored junior team members on executing complex electrification design projects using MicroStation software.
Education
PGCE - Post Graduate Certificate in Education
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, GP01-2022
PERSONAL TRAINING CERTIFICATION -
Trifocus Fitness Academy
Johannesburg, GP01-2017
NATIONAL DIPLOMA - ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, GP01-2013
NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE -
Sitintile High School
Nelspruit, MP01-2008
Skills
- Analytical problem-solving
- Collaborative communication
- Public speaking
- Persuasive sales techniques
- Customer engagement
- Brand storytelling
- Brand engagement
- Event management
- Retail marketing strategies
- Software proficiency
- Market trend analysis
- Stakeholder relationship management
Languages
Siswati
Custom Section
Proficient
Personal Information
- Ethnicity: African
- Health Status: Excellent
References
- Body20 Claremont, Lebo Dioka, lebo@body20.co.za
- Greg Gibbs, Sophia Pretorius, sophia.pretorius@virginactive.com
- Uplands College, Ivy Mpangane, Impangane@uplands.co.za
Certification
- NQF Level 6 National Diploma: Engineering Electrical
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education: Further Education and Training
Hobbies and Interests
- Sports
- Technology
- Self-development
- Wellbeing
Interests
- Professional & Self-Development
- Continuous Technical Learning
- Global Travel & Cultures
- Strategic & Industry Reading
Timeline
Brand Ambassador
Effy Jewelry
12.2023 - Current
Educator
Uplands College
04.2021 - 12.2023
Personal Trainer
On Board Cruise Ships
08.2018 - 05.2019
Electrical Design Technician T11
Eskom Distribution
03.2012 - 07.2017
PGCE - Post Graduate Certificate in Education
University of Johannesburg
PERSONAL TRAINING CERTIFICATION -
Trifocus Fitness Academy
NATIONAL DIPLOMA - ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Tshwane University of Technology
NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE -
Sitintile High School