​Her colleagues at Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre call her Kosie but her real name is Cecilia Nell-Smutz.
The 58-year-old Nell-Smutz has been working for the Gauteng Department of Social Development for forty years. When she joined the department, she was hired as junior clerk with matric only.

Nell-Smutz is among several public servants to be recognized by the Gauteng Social Development MEC Morakane Mosupyoe during the Long Service Awards which is going to take place at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni next week.

These are employees who have been with the Department for ten years and above.

Nell-Smutz is currently working in stores department of Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre under Supply Chain Management Directorate.

She says there are five staff members who report to her despite work challenges and office politics, she says she makes sure that they work together as a team and attend to issues that could affect their work.

“I’m now used to my colleagues call me Kosie and everyone in the centre doesn’t call me Cecilia. I have a good working relationship with my colleagues, and we make sure that we deliver and meet our deadlines,” she laughs.

Head of Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre Ms. Desiree De Vries says Kosie and her team are very competent.

Kosie says she would like to encourage young public servants who will come after her to take free courses very seriously.

“Not everyone can afford money to pay for university, therefore internal bursary is another option if you qualify”

Kosie remains grateful and will cherish her time in Social Development but now she’s going to stay in the West Coast and enjoy her free time.