ALBERTO MANJATE – Light Career

They said I had to stay in electrification, because there was really a lack of professionals in that area.

In 1980, when Alberto Manjate finished his electricity course at the Instituto Industrial de Maputo, he was sure that fate had a bright future in store for him. He had been appointed to work at Electricidade de Moçambique, in the north-central part of the country, in Nampula, but he exchanged with a classmate, a native of that province, who wanted to return to his homeland.

Because of that, Alberto Manjate joined Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), where he worked in the Electrical Installations and “Motor Force” sector until 2010, when he retired. Thanks to his commitment and dedication, he was awarded another four years as a contractor.

More than 30 years in the profession have made Alberto Manjate an indispensable staff. He knows the electrification of LAM buildings like the back of his hand, and thanks to his work, planes depart and arrive at their destinations without any problems. The math is simple: he was responsible for maintaining the electrical system throughout the institution. This is an essential element for booking flights, recording entries, exits and communications.  “LAM without power stops completely,” he clarifies.

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Alberto Manjate came to assume leadership positions. When the company gave the electrical part to the private sector, Manjate was selected as director of the Technical Inspection Office. Fate set new horizons and he then was chosen to be head of the Heritage and Infrastructure Maintenance Section. In addition to inspecting, he dealt with administrative issues and contracting companies that provided services.

Manjate was always an attentive man concerned with helping others. When he arrived at the LAM, there were many workers with a low level of education. At the end of the day, he would use the flight simulation area to teach his colleagues. A fighter, he also dreamed of studying piloting, but his ambition was blocked. “They said I had to stay in electrification, because there was really a lack of professionals in that area”.

During more than 30 years he was there, he received many new colleagues in the sector. “For me, it was worth it”. Now in retirement, at the age of 62, he dedicates himself to his family and follows the evolution of the institution in which he worked half of his life. He is firm and aware that he left in his sector competent professionals to offer the best services.

Issue 76 Nov/Dec| Download.