Aug 04, 2026 Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO), workforce data, Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), Nonhlanhla Tshabalala, Louis van Huyssteen,
Nearly 95 000 women are driving South Africa's automotive industry forward
Women's Month is an opportunity not only to celebrate the growing contribution women are making across South Africa's automotive industry, but also to acknowledge the work still required to ensure they have equal opportunities to succeed. While traditionally regarded as a male-dominated sector, the automotive industry is steadily evolving as more women enter technical, management and leadership roles.
New Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) workforce data shows that women now make up almost 95 000 employees across South Africa's organised automotive retail aftermarket, representing approximately 30% of the industry's 316 945 employees. While this reflects steady progress, it also highlights the significant opportunity to grow female participation in technical, operational and leadership roles. The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) believes this momentum must continue if the industry is to address critical skills shortages while building a workforce that better reflects the country it serves.
According to Nonhlanhla Tshabalala, RMI HR Manager and Transformation Director, creating opportunities for women is no longer simply a transformation imperative - it is essential for the future sustainability of the industry. "Our industry is built around people. Every time a young artisan qualifies, a woman steps into a leadership position or a small business grows, we strengthen not only our sector but the South African economy," says Tshabalala. "What inspires me most is seeing barriers come down. When innovation is matched with inclusion, we create an industry that is stronger, more resilient and better equipped for the future."
RMI National Director: Training, Louis van Huyssteen, says the latest workforce and apprenticeship data shows that while more women are entering the automotive skills pipeline, the industry's focus must now shift towards ensuring they complete their training, qualify and build sustainable careers. "Women are already contributing across every level of the automotive aftermarket, from dealerships and independent workshops to collision repair businesses and parts operations," says Van Huyssteen. "The next step is ensuring access translates into qualification, employment, leadership and lasting careers. Sustainable transformation is measured not simply by how many women enter the industry, but by how many remain, progress and succeed."
He says representation varies across different sectors. Women make up almost one-third of employees in vehicle dealerships, where they serve as sales professionals, service advisers, departmental managers and dealer principals. They are also increasingly establishing themselves as workshop owners, qualified technicians, diagnostic specialists, spray painters, panel beaters and vehicle damage quantifiers, proving that technical ability is defined by skill and commitment rather than gender.
South Africa continues to experience a shortage of qualified artisans, making it even more important to expand the industry's talent pipeline. National artisan development statistics for 2025/26 show that women accounted for approximately 38% of all artisan registrations where gender was reported. Within one anonymised RMI-linked apprenticeship cohort, women represented 60% of apprentices, demonstrating that targeted recruitment programmes can successfully attract women into technical trades that have historically been dominated by men.
"These figures are encouraging because they show that when industry intentionally creates opportunities, young women respond," says Van Huyssteen. "The real measure of success, however, is ensuring they receive meaningful workplace exposure, quality mentorship, practical experience and every opportunity to qualify and build long-term careers."
There has definitely been progress, says Tshabalala, but the industry cannot afford to become complacent. "Across the RMI and our associations we are seeing more women entering the industry through targeted skills development, mentorship and leadership initiatives. Those programmes are making a real difference, but we still need to address barriers such as access to funding, career progression and outdated perceptions about gender roles."
One of the RMI's flagship transformation initiatives, Project Dineo, demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration. Developed in partnership with merSETA, the Department of Higher Education and Training, Harambee and the Presidency, the programme aims to train 300 young people over three years, with a deliberate target of ensuring at least 40% of participants are women, while also creating opportunities for youth with disabilities and previously disadvantaged communities.
Van Huyssteen says initiatives such as Project Dineo illustrate how deliberate recruitment strategies can reshape the future workforce, but success depends on creating workplaces where apprentices have access to proper mentoring, practical training, suitable equipment and equal opportunities to develop their technical skills.
The organisation's annual Women Driving Change initiative continues to provide an important platform to celebrate women across the automotive value chain, while creating visibility for female role models and encouraging more young women to consider careers in the industry. Skills development programmes, apprenticeships, artisan training and career awareness initiatives such as the MIWA Motor Mech Shows are also introducing more young women to technical careers that were once rarely considered.
Tshabalala believes visible role models are critical in changing perceptions. "In industries like ours, recognition matters because it shows other women what is possible. When young women see successful technicians, workshop owners, engineers and executives, they begin to picture themselves following the same path. That visibility helps change mindsets and builds confidence."
She says the industry's greatest strength lies not only with those receiving awards or public recognition, but with the thousands of women whose professionalism and dedication keep businesses operating every day. "Women across South Africa are making an impact in workshops, dealerships, testing stations, parts businesses and corporate offices every single day. Their contribution is helping reshape this industry, often quietly and without fanfare. Women's Month gives us an opportunity to recognise those achievements while inspiring the next generation."
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