Women can succeed in the auto repair industry
Winston Churchill said, ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts’.
It is said that the world is one’s oyster, but women often face unique challenges. Ayanda Mtetwa, now 36 years of age, was driven by a clear vision from a young age. She pursued her dream and overcame many obstacles. Here’s her inspiring story.
She was born in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni and raised by her uncle and grandparents.
In 2001, at age 14 and while still at school, she was presented with an opportunity by a BMW franchise owner who offered her an opportunity. She started vocational apprentice training three days later.
She tackled the mechanical apprenticeship and studies with the support of Gautrain all while continuing her schooling at Willowmoore High School in Benoni
In 2006, after completing matric, she enrolled in mechanical engineering studies at Isidingo Technical College in Daveyton.
After three years, she was headhunted by Gautrian, which provided financial support for her studies.
Subsequently, in 2016 she had an opportunity to purchase an autobody repair shop, but the deal fell through.
Undeterred by this setback, Ayanda established her own business, Inevitable Auto, in 2019 in Boksburg. “I chose the name to align with my belief that I was destined for the autobody industry.”
With the assistance of Telesure and the Santam Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme, along with her mentor Charlene Lamb from Edge Growth, Ayanda ensured the success of her venture.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic presented significant challenges that led to the closure of her business.
In 2021 Ayanda joined the Motor Accident Group (MAG) and worked as an employee for a year, gaining invaluable knowledge of MAG’s systems and processes. Eventually, in 2022 she purchased one of the owner’s branches and will be guided by him for the next three years.
MAG is a fully-fledged shop with over 83 approvals and numerous accreditations. Its services include cosmetic repairs, paintless dent repairs, non-structural repairs and major structural repairs.
Ayanda believes that more women should enter the field and aims to pass the baton by leveraging her network.
Jacques Viljoen, national director of the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), commends Ayanda as a SAMBRA ambassador, helping to challenge stereotypes and raising awareness of career paths for women in the industry.
Source: Cathy Findley PR
