Bedfordview woman breaks through male dominated industry

Mandisa Latha, a 30-year-old trailblazer from Bedfordview, has shattered glass ceilings in the male-dominated world of the automotive industry.

With seven years under her belt at Mercedes Benz Motus Bedfordview, her journey from a technician to a service advisor shines as a beacon of inspiration and resilience.

Mandisa’s journey began in 2016 when she stepped into the workshop as a level one apprentice.

For six years, she honed her skills and overcame challenges as a technician, gaining expertise in the intricate workings of vehicles.

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With her skills and training, she can disassemble and reassemble a car.

“I did all of my apprenticeship in the workshop until I qualified to be a technician. With further training, I was able to move from technician red seal to maintenance technician,” she said.

Earlier this year she was promoted to the service advising department.

The move marked a significant change from the workshop environment to a customer-centric role.

“The change from workshop to customer-based service is completely different. There’s less pressure in the workshop and more at the front.”

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Reflecting on her journey, Mandisa acknowledged the challenges she faced, emphasising the importance of her love for the job.

“Being an advisor is much more relaxing compared to when I was working in the workshop, physically. In the workshop, we had to carry and lift equipment.

“During my first year of working in the workshop, I would get drained but the body adjusts and the job becomes much easier if you like what you are doing,” she said.

Her enthusiasm for cars led her to embrace her role as an educator and guide for customers who often lack knowledge about their vehicles.

Mandisa’s affinity for automobiles started during her college days at African Academy in Boksburg, where she studied mechanical drafting.

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However, her then-boyfriend’s tales of cars ignited a newfound curiosity.

“I got interested in knowing more about them,” she recounted. “That’s when I realised that this is what I wanted to do; it felt like home.”

Despite the industry’s male-dominated reputation, Mandisa defied stereotypes by pursuing her passion relentlessly.

“Women can do everything. We can adapt, which is why we fight for equality because we can do anything that we put our minds to,” she emphasised.

Her journey from technician to service advisor is a testament to her dedication, skill, and love for continuous learning.

Her advice to aspiring women in the industry is, “It is very therapeutic. If you love the job, it is relaxing.”

She encouraged others to be open-minded and embrace learning, much like she did on her journey.