POLOKWANE – In observance of Women’s Day across the country, celebrations are held to recognise women and their achievements.
Founder of Kutollo Prosper (KP) Auto Mechanic, Sylvia Mashalane is one of the many inspiring women who are making a name for themselves in the male-dominated automotive industry.
KP Auto Mechanic is a 100% black-women owned business that strives for social transformation and black economic empowerment as well as a women management profile.
Mashala says the auto mechanic industry chose her and she strives to make her business bigger and better.
“I don’t think that business should be linked to which gender can do what better because it simply makes individuals feel like they can’t accomplish what they want due to a label,” she told the Polokwane Review.’
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Mashala established her business in 2019 with little experience and knowledge gained from working at a fitment centre.
The business is located at 11 Natrium Street in Ladine and she said she looks forward to opening another branch by the end of September.
Mashala has created employment for 10 people, of which four are apprentices and six are permanent.
She is not shocked by the challenges faced on a daily basis such as being underestimated when she offers advice to clients because she was aware of what she was signing up for when she began the business.
Mashala stands firm in her business’ philosophy that pride in one’s work comes from doing what one loves.
She encourages people to continue suppoting women in business and celebrate them because they are visionaries and are significant forces that play an important role in society.
