Disappointing Work Experience at Isilumko Activate

During my time at Isilumko, I experienced many challenges that made it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Staff are regularly expected to work overtime without any additional pay, and if you express concerns or hesitate, it's treated as a problem. Late nights and early mornings became the norm.

Petrol costs for work-related travel are only reimbursed at the end of the month. This means if you're assigned to distant locations on short notice — which happens often — you have to cover fuel costs out of your own pocket. Many of us had to borrow money from family and friends just to be able to do our jobs.

Management, in my experience, was disappointing. There’s very little regard for staff wellbeing. You’re often spoken about as if you’re just a number. There’s no recognition or reward for working hard, you’re simply given more work.

Training is inconsistent and lacks any proper structure. New hires are often left to teach themselves as each person trains differently. Managers seem more focused on cutting costs than building a strong, supported team. Calls and messages from management can come at any time, even after hours, making it hard to disconnect.

I’m sharing this in the hope that Isilumko will take better care of its employees in future , both in how they’re treated and supported.