Hyundai Automotive South Africa took practical empowerment to the classroom not through speeches, but through spanners, diagnostics tools and hands-on learning.
At Kloof High School in Durban, the company’s experienced and qualified mechanics hosted a Young Girls Automotive Skills Workshop where Grade 12 girl learners did not just hear about industry opportunities instead, they changed tyres, explored vehicle diagnostics and unpacked modern vehicle electronics.
Mark Torrance, Regional General Manager: KwaZulu-Natal at Hyundai Automotive South Africa emphasized the initiative aims to empower and affirm competence among young girls at school level.
“By sharing practical automotive knowledge and basic vehicle skills with young learners early on, we are helping them build confidence and understanding,” stated Torrance. “When they become active mobility consumers one day, they will be better equipped to understand their vehicles, make informed decisions and prioritise their safety on the road.”
Suzanne van Der Merwe, Regional Fleet Manager: KwaZulu-Natal at Hyundai Automotive South Africa, reinforced the importance of early exposure to technical knowledge. “Equipping young girls with essential vehicle knowledge at school level lays a strong foundation for the future. This knowledge contributes to ensuring they are more informed and safe future drivers.”
Rob Holding, Principal of Kloof High School welcomed the initiative and expressed how Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s partnership with Kloof High has had a profound impact on the school.
“Our girls learnt about tyre changing, oil and water checking, how to interpret warning lights and technological functions. This was a hugely successful, invaluable exercise and we express our deep appreciation to Hyundai for such a program.”
This workshop marks the first of many. Hyundai Automotive South Africa will be rolling out similar initiatives, particularly in rural communities as part of its ongoing youth skills development.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
General Motors (GM) has renewed its joint venture with China's SAIC Motor Corp for another 20 years, enabling the United States (US) automaker to use China as an export hub amid rising competition from Chinese brands in and outside their home market.
Young South African motorists are increasingly opting for more affordable and practical vehicles as the cost of living puts pressure on household budgets, while still maintaining comprehensive insurance cover.
