In The Driving Seat

The women taking over the motoring industry

As a female motoring journalist, I know all too well what it’s like to be one of a handful of women in an industry dominated by men. Fortunately, times are slowly changing for the better, but it’s been a tough road for those trying to pave their way through this predominantly masculine landscape. Here, three incredibly inspiring women who are blazing the trail for those to follow

THE DEALER PRINCIPAL

MARCIA MAYABA

Hailed as one of the most influential and inspirational innovators in the local retail motor industry, Marcia Mayaba is a force with which to be reckoned and she’s one of the most powerful women I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Born in Orlando East in Soweto, Marcia lost her mom to breast cancer when she was 21 years old. She had to drop out of varsity in order to take care of her two younger sisters, but nothing was going to get in the way of this rising star. In 1997, with absolutely no employment history or experience, Marcia was appointed as a trainee at Barmot Truck Hire in Cleveland (now known as Avis Truck Rental Barloworld). Here, Marcia worked her way up to management level and obtained her qualification in Road Transport from the University of Johannesburg.

Fast forward a few years of hard work to 2009 and Marcia was headhunted to become dealer principal for one of Volkswagen’s branches – a huge break. But she declined the offer. Because she had no experience in the retail space and failure was not an option, Marcia requested to be trained first before assuming the role. A first for Imperial Auto Lindsay Saker, Marcia was employed as a trainee dealer principal.