AUTOFORUM

Young South Africans stepping into opportunity

Oct 24, 2025 Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA), Dylan Petzer, Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), Kids Haven, Siyabonga Shezi, Nthabeleng Ndlovu,

Young South Africans stepping into opportunity

For many young South Africans, the transition from school to the workplace is fraught with uncertainty. Limited access to resources, guidance, and real-world experience often stands between ambition and opportunity. But a powerful new partnership between the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA), and Kids Haven is beginning to change that – opening doors for vulnerable youth and giving them a genuine chance to build their futures.

Launched in July this year the initiative reflects the heart of the message: It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity. Through the partnership, TEPA members are creating structured pathways into the automotive sector for young people, providing both skills development and real-world employment opportunities. “Youth unemployment is one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges,” says Dylan Petzer, National Vice Chairman of TEPA. “As an industry, we have a responsibility – and a real opportunity – to be part of the solution. Through this partnership with Kids Haven, we’re creating meaningful pathways into work for young people who have so much to offer but often lack the access and support needed to take their first steps.”

AutoZone was one of the first TEPA members to open its doors to Kids Haven graduates, offering hands-on experience in a professional environment. For Nthabeleng Ndlovu, the opportunity was life-changing. “When I received the news that I’d be given the opportunity with AutoZone, I was completely taken aback. It was a surreal moment, and I was truly humbled. Before starting, I was nervous about meeting new people, but excited to support my single mom and make a positive impact on our lives,” she recalls.

Nthabeleng’s first month on the job has been an incredible journey of learning and growth. From mastering dispatch, invoicing, and stock management to collaborating with supportive colleagues, she has embraced every challenge with enthusiasm. “The skills and lessons I gained from Kids Haven, like preparing for interviews and creating a CV, gave me confidence and prepared me for the workplace,” she adds.

Siyabonga Shezi’s journey mirrors this sense of transformation. After struggling to find employment following matric and a year of marketing studies, Siyabonga found hope in Kids Haven’s Pathway programme. “Honestly, when I first found out about the opportunity, I was beyond thrilled at the prospect of spreading my wings and leaving home. It was exhilarating, but also daunting. Yet I knew it was a chance I couldn’t pass up,” he says.

Both Nthabeleng and Siyabonga view the opportunity at AutoZone as more than a job - it is a stepping stone to their dreams. Nthabeleng envisions one day running her own welding workshop, while Siyabonga hopes to mentor youth through Kids Haven. Their stories highlight the tangible impact that guidance, support, and opportunity can have.

“This is just the beginning,” says Petzer. “Through partnerships like these, we’re not only helping young people gain employment - we’re equipping them with the skills, confidence, and resilience to build meaningful careers and break cycles of poverty.”

For the young graduates stepping into this new chapter, the message is clear: doors are opening, skills are being developed, and the journey is only beginning. Over the next 2 months a further six young people will have a learning opportunity, this time through S Point Training in KwaZulu Natal.

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