Aphelele’s journey inspires hope for more female youth in the sector

As South Africa marks Youth Month, the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), an affiliate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), celebrates the remarkable journey of Aphelele Qangani, a newly qualified motor mechanic whose passion, perseverance and strength have set a new standard for young women in the automotive trade.

Born with a natural curiosity for how things work, Aphelele’s interest in mechanics was sparked at her technical high school. “Initially, I wanted to study engineering or architecture,” she shares, “but after enrolling in the motor mechanical engineering programme at the College of Cape Town, I never looked back.”

Aphelele recently completed the College’s Centre of Specialisation (CoS) MotorMechanic programme, overcoming significant life challenges along the way -including pregnancy and the responsibilities of new motherhood. Thanks to theunwavering support of her facilitator, Rasheed Adhikari, and the College’s flexibility,she was able to continue her training, return post-maternity leave, and pass hertrade test on the first attempt.

Aphelele programme started in 2022 culminating in her trade test in February 2025.Adhikari who is integrally involved in the placement of his young students, placed her at MZ Auto during her 3 years of study. It was during this time that she found out that she was pregnant.

“Her attitude, timekeeping and willingness to learn always stood out,” says Adhikariand fortunately she had a very understanding employer. “We worked out a solutionwhen she informed us she was pregnant. With careful planning and herdetermination, she never fell behind. She even attended college sessions over theholidays to stay ahead.” And when it was time to give birth to her baby, Adikharihelped her negotiate maternity leave with her employer. Her dedication and hardwork was impressive and this paid off when she completed her trade test on her first attempt in 2025.

Aphelele has since been employed by Wicked Cars in Cape Town, a multi-divisionautomotive business led by visionary female director, Candice Cerff. For Cerff, recruiting a newly qualified female technician was an unexpected but welcomesurprise.

“I was in awe,” says Cerff. “A female mechanic is still a rarity, but Aphelele showedconfidence, humility, and drive. She told me in her interview, ‘Please don’t treat meany differently to the males, I’m here to do my job.’ I knew then she was the perfectfit for our team.”

As a mother to a seven-month-old baby and now a full-time employee, Aphelelecontinues to show resilience. “The workshop environment is fast-paced, but I’m adjusting well. I enjoy the engineering side - seeing different engine brands and learning every day is exciting,” she explains.

Cerff says the experience has deeply impacted her business. “Her journey humbled us all. It’s shown us the value of taking chances on people. I believe women bring a unique ability to problem-solve and multi-task. Supporting women in this industry isn’t just important - it’s essential.”

Aphelele’s dream is to one day open her own workshop and inspire more women to follow in her footsteps. Her message to others: “No one is coming to help you - get up and give everything to your dream. Even if it’s hard, try, fail, and try again. Nothing is impossible.”

As MIWA continues to advocate for gender diversity and skills development,Chairperson Dewald Ranft says stories like Aphelele’s highlight the importance ofcollaboration between colleges and employers.

“Partnerships between training institutions and forward-thinking employers are vitalto nurturing the next generation of skilled artisans. Aphelele’s story is proof that with the right support, our youth, especially young women, can thrive in this industry.”

MIWA encourages other workshops to follow suit and embrace the future of theautomotive sector - one that is inclusive, skilled, and driven by passion.