AUTOFORUM

First all-women MIWA Motor Mech competition and life-changing technical training grants

Aug 19, 2025 First all-women, MIWA Motor Mech competition, technical training grants, Peter van Mosseveld, RMI, Africa Skills GeorgeTech

First all-women MIWA Motor Mech competition and life-changing technical training grants

In celebration of Women’s Month 2025, the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), hosted the very first all-women Motor Mech competition in George this past weekend (16 August) at Africa Skills GeorgeTech - a QCTO-accredited provider of Red Seal artisan training.

The Motor Mech competition series – now in its sixth year and expanded to seven locations nationally – has become one of the most important platforms to showcase the skills, talent, and future potential of South Africa’s young mechanics. Significantly, for the first time, the spotlight was placed exclusively on women, a sector still vastly underrepresented in the automotive industry.

“This is more than just a competition,” says Peter van Mosseveld, RMI Regional Manager and Consumer Affairs Specialist for the Eastern Cape. “It’s about recognising the critical role skilled artisans play in sustaining our industry and creating opportunities for young women to thrive in a space where their presence is urgently needed. The MIWA Motor Mech competitions have proven to be highly effective in closing the gap and offering hands-on experiences. We are delighted to be able to show more diversity and inclusivity in the sector with our nine young lady participants namely Akahlulwalutho Mdaka, Linathi Menziwa, Meliza Taks, Sphokazi Ngwandi, Sinovuyo Mvalo, Nzeene Pretorius, Chloe Hartnick, Denoline Mruqhli and Andiswa Mkhize.”

A key addition to the Motor Mech shows this year is the launch of Project Dineo by the RMI, marking a transformative step for the sector. Nonhlanhla Tshabalala, RMI HR Manager and Transformation Director, explains that Project Dineo, meaning ‘gift’ in Sotho, is a partnership between the RMI, merSETA, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, and the Presidency. The project will support 100 talented young South Africans per year for the next three years - prioritising women, persons with disabilities, and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Each of the nine young women, all under the age of 30 and from the Garden Route and Klein Karoo, who participated in George, were awarded a full technical study grant to pursue a fully-funded three-year Diesel Mechanic Red Seal certificate. Training starts on 8 September at Africa Skills GeorgeTech and will follow Africa Skills’ 70/30 model: 70% practical workplace training and 30% classroom instruction.

“The only way to change lives sustainably is through skills development,” says Elsie Harmse, co-founder of Africa Skills, a private vocational training provider established in 200 that has long been committed to bridging this gap through practical, industry-aligned training. “This model, aligned with QCTO guidelines, ensures learners gain both technical knowledge and real-world work experience - preparing them to be truly job-ready. We are part of UXi Artisan Development, a trusted group focused on transforming lives through education that leads to employment,” adds Harmse. “Whether your path is diesel mechanics, electrical work, plumbing, agriculture, or entrepreneurship, our qualifications give learners the confidence and skills to succeed.”

The training grants and skills development come at a critical time for South Africa, where youth unemployment stands at 46.1% and women remain underrepresented in the automotive sector, with just two women for every ten men. Compounding this is the national shortage of skilled artisans – only 13,000 are qualifying annually against a target of 30,000. Without urgent action, these challenges will continue to fuel inequality and threaten industry sustainability.

“By combining platforms like Motor Mech with sustainable training and funding solutions, the RMI, together with MIWA and training providers like Africa Skills, are ensuring that Women’s Month is not just celebrated in words, but in actions that shape careers, strengthen the sector, and build a more inclusive future,” concludes Van Mosseveld.

MIWA is a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).