AUTOFORUM

Women are changing the face of South Africa's spray painting industry

Aug 12, 2026 Juan Hanekom, SAMBRA, BB Auto Body Rebuilds, Santie Boshoff, Sina Mokgadi Ratshilumela, Paulina Matlhabe,

Women are changing the face of South Africa's spray painting industry

For many people, automotive spray painting still conjures up images of a trade dominated by men. Yet quietly, inside the paint shop at BB Auto Body Rebuilds, that perception is changing. Here, two women, Sina Mokgadi Ratshilumela and Paulina Matlhabe, are proving every day that precision, patience and craftsmanship know no gender. Under the leadership of owner Santie Boshoff and Chief Operating Officer Sonja de Beer, they are building careers in a profession where female representation remains the exception rather than the norm.

For the South African Motor Body Repairers' Association (SAMBRA), stories like these perfectly capture this year's Women's Month theme, "Building Resilient Economies for All." They demonstrate that when women are given opportunities to learn, qualify and lead, they strengthen not only businesses but the future of South Africa's automotive sector. "There is still a misconception that automotive repair, particularly spray painting, is physically demanding work best suited to men," says Juan Hanekom, National Director of SAMBRA. "The reality is that modern vehicle refinishing is a highly skilled profession requiring technical knowledge, exceptional attention to detail, colour accuracy and craftsmanship. It is ideal for anyone with this kind of special talent.”

For 30-year old Ratshilumela, the industry was never part of a carefully mapped career plan. "Spray painting found me," she says. "I have always enjoyed technical work and working with tools. What fascinated me was seeing a vehicle transformed from preparation to a beautifully finished product. But it was also about proving that I belonged in what many still see as a man's world." Today, she is only one assessment away from qualifying as a professional spray painter - an achievement she once believed impossible. She is currently completing her qualification - CBMT the Legacy Qualification programme - and is busy with Level 3 training. Her trade test has been scheduled, after which she is expected to qualify as a spray painter.

Her proudest moment has been completing an entire vehicle on her own, from preparation and priming through to masking and the final coat of paint. "Women are the secret weapon," she laughs. "We have patience and delicate hands that allow us to feel even the smallest imperfections before anyone else can see them."

Matihabe's journey into the trade began even more unexpectedly. This 38-year old started as a car wash assistant but constantly looked for opportunities to grow. "When I was given the chance to work in the paint shop, it changed my life," she says. "Doing more has always been my motto." Although she is still completing her training having just finished phase 1 of her Occupational Certificate for Vehicle Spray Painter, she already takes enormous pride in producing quality work and continues to challenge herself to improve every day.

She believes women bring particular strengths to the profession. "We pay attention to detail. We want the job done properly, and if we make a mistake, we learn from it and do it better the next time." Both women acknowledge that entering a male-dominated trade can be intimidating, but they are equally quick to recognise the support they have received from their colleagues. "The men I work with have always encouraged us to keep learning, pass our assessments and believe in ourselves," says Paulina. Ratshilumela agrees. "I've learned that nothing comes easily. You have to work hard and keep improving every day."

For Hanekom, their success highlights the importance of supportive workplaces that invest in people based on ability rather than stereotypes. "One of the biggest challenges facing South Africa's motor body repair industry is attracting enough skilled artisans. We simply cannot afford to overlook half the country's talent. Businesses that embrace diversity are building stronger teams, creating more resilient organisations and helping secure the future of our sector."

The fact that both of these women are developing their careers within a business owned and managed by women makes their story even more significant. Boshoff and De Beer have created an environment where women are not only welcomed into the industry but are actively encouraged to grow, qualify and build long-term careers. Prior to the two current ladies, the company had already qualified four female spray painters. They are continuing to strengthen female representation in the automotive body repair and refinishing sector while contributing to skills development and gender transformation within the industry.

For both apprentices, Women's Month is about much more than recognition - It is about showing other young women what is possible. Ratshilumela says, "My work shows other women that nothing is impossible. As more women build businesses, create jobs and teach valuable skills, we help grow South Africa's economy." Matihabe echoes that sentiment. "When other women see me working as a spray painter, they begin to believe they can do it too." Both already have their eyes firmly fixed on the future. Ratshilumela hopes to qualify soon before one day mentoring the next generation of spray painters. "I want to teach others everything I have learned." Matihabe dreams even bigger. "In five to ten years, I see myself working overseas."

Hanekom says these ambitions reflect exactly what Women's Month is intended to celebrate. "Building resilient economies starts with building resilient people. Every qualified artisan strengthens our economy, every successful business creates opportunity, and every woman who enters our industry opens the door a little wider for those who follow. Sina and Paulina are excellent examples of why the future of our industry depends on talent, dedication and opportunity rather than gender," he concludes.

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