Meet Our Team: Surprise Sambo


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Meet Our Team: Surprise Sambo


Learning and Development Co-ordinator

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Hardworking. Strategic. Caring.

One of my former managers once said in a speech, “Surprise has a ‘sizophumelela ngenkani’ spirit,” which means “I will achieve success, regardless of the challenges.” That’s something I truly believe in. I also care deeply about people, which helps me understand those I work with and adapt to their different personalities, making collaboration easier and more meaningful.

How would you describe your day job to a child?

I help grown-ups at work by planning their learning. I find the right classes, help choose what they should learn, and make sure everything is ready for them, like making sure their learning day runs smoothly. I don’t teach them, but I help the teachers and set everything up. For example, I help them learn things like how to use computers, be good leaders, or stay safe at work, so they can do their jobs even better.

Why did you choose to be part of the Vector Logistics’ team?

I was drawn to Vector Logistics because of the unique opportunity to make an impact within one of South Africa’s leading logistics companies. The company’s transition into a standalone entity creates a challenging but rewarding environment where I can help raise the bar and contribute to its success story.

What excites you about this role?

What excites me most about this role is how closely it aligns with my passion for development, diversity, and inclusion. Not everyone has the dedication to support both emerging and experienced employees in their growth journeys, and not every organisation truly embraces diversity. In this role, I have the opportunity to champion these values, creating an environment where every employee feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.

How would you describe a high-performance organisation?

I would describe a high-performance organisation as one with strong leadership and highly engaged employees that fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Proper guidance is essential to achieve goals, and while you may not get everything right the first time, learning from past experiences helps the organisation grow. Engaged employees create an unstoppable team that drives success together.

How do you keep yourself/your team motivated?

I stay motivated by celebrating achievements and not letting failures overshadow progress. We won’t always get it right, but every setback is a chance to learn and grow.

Do you have a mentor/coach?

Not at the moment, but I regularly reach out to trusted colleagues and close connections for guidance and advice.

Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?

Chuck Feeney - for his incredible generosity and commitment to giving back to people anonymously.

If you were the CEO for a day, what would you change or introduce?

If I were the CEO for a day, I would host a company-wide “Idea Day” where employees can pitch ideas to improve how we work, serve clients, or support communities. Great ideas often come from unexpected places.

On a lighter note…

What is your most memorable facepalm (embarrassing) moment?

One of my colleagues once said, “I can’t dance, I have two left feet,” and I took it literally. I actually asked him to show me his two left feet because I was so curious.

When was the last time you laughed so hard?

During an interview with an intern, I asked him why we should hire him. With a completely serious face, he said, “Because I’ll bring new chickens for you.”

What is your guilty pleasure?

Listening to old-school Kwaito music - it makes people think I’m old, but I just love those classic beats and the memories they bring back!

What is one thing people do not know about you?

I once coached an under-15 soccer team that went on to win a major tournament in our region.

If you could invite one famous person (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be and why?

Cristiano Ronaldo - he’s a clear example of how hard work, discipline, and dedication can take you to the top