Celebrating the women driving change in our industry and communities

In the bustling world of motor workshops across South Africa, there exists a quiet force of strength, passion, and resilience — women who may not always be centre stage, but whose presence is integral to the heartbeat of the industry.

This Women’s Month, the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) is proud to celebrate these phenomenal women who not only keep workshops running like clockwork, but also uplift their communities with compassion, commitment and a sense of purpose. They are admin managers, service advisors, technicians, business owners, mentors, and community leaders. They juggle family and business, offer a helping hand where it's needed most, and inspire through their work ethic and warmth.Two such women, Vimla Naidoo of Frenchtec in KwaZulu-Natal and Tania Louw of Canterbury on Clare in the Western Cape, embody what it means to lead with strength, heart, and vision.

Vimla Naidoo – balancing business, family and communityWhen Vimla Naidoo first stepped into the automotive world, it wasn’t with a wrench in hand but a ledger. Her husband Dhaya, MIWA’s KZN Regional Chairman, needed support with administration at his workshop, and with experience in the field, Vimla stepped in as admin manageress. What began as a support role has since become a shared journey of building and running a thriving family business together.

“Running a business with your spouse can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with challenges,” says Vimla. “You have to work hard to separate personal from professional, and mutual respect is key.”

Over the years, Vimla’s role has expanded far beyond administration. She’s navigated the delicate balance of responsibilities in a traditionally male-dominated space, learning that clear boundaries and good communication make all the difference.Connection is what truly drives her — whether with her team, customers, or community. As a proud member of the Sai Organisation, she dedicates time to outreach programmes, from preparing meals for schoolchildren and distributing food parcels to teaching Education in Human Values classes and visiting old age homes.She has seen the motor industry evolve with more women stepping into leadership and technical roles but believes more progress is needed. Her advice to young women is simple but powerful: “Build your confidence and know your worth. You have strong minds and dedicated hearts — there’s nothing you can’t achieve.”

Tania Louw – leading with courage and compassionFor Tania Louw, the motor industry wasn’t a planned career path - it was a calling. When her family needed her, she stepped in to help, discovering a passion for building not just a business but a community. Today, as the owner of Canterbury on Clare and a proud MIWA member, she leads with empathy, courage, and a commitment to inclusivity.

Her advocacy for neurodiversity is deeply personal, inspired by her son Jude’s journey with autism. “Jude has taught me to never underestimate anyone’s potential,” she says. That belief led to the creation of Jude’s Rhyming Grind, a coffee business with a mission — to train and employ youth, especially those with disabilities, in workshops, dealerships and eventually a permanent shop.Tania believes inclusion is vital to the future of the automotive sector. “When we uplift neurodiverse individuals, we unlock new ideas and possibilities,” she explains.

For Tania, Women’s Month is a time to celebrate resilience and use that strength to open doors for others. “To every woman in MIWA: your leadership is needed now more than ever. Let’s invest in dreams like Jude’s and prove that when women lead, the whole industry moves forward.”

Driving change togetherVimla and Tania are just two examples of the many women in MIWA whose influence reaches far beyond the workshop floor. Their stories are a reminder that the automotive sector is not only about cars - it’s about people, purpose, and progress.

As MIWA continues to champion gender equality, leadership opportunities, and community engagement, it invites members, partners, and industry colleagues to recognise and support the women who keep our sector moving forward.