Season 14 Episode 28

Nonhlanhla Tshabalala on closing South Africa's automotive skills gap

13 July 2026 · 13:41 min

South Africa's automotive skills shortage is becoming one of the industry's biggest challenges. Nonhlanhla Tshabalala explains how the RMI is building a stronger pipeline of artisans while creating more opportunities for women and young people.

Nonhlanhla Tshabalala, HR Manager and Transformation… Director at the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), joins Business Talk to discuss why skills development and transformation have become business imperatives for South Africa's automotive sector. She explains how the industry is addressing the shortage of qualified artisans, creating more inclusive career pathways, and ensuring the workforce is equipped to support the sector's long-term growth.

The conversation explores the barriers preventing more women from entering technical and leadership roles, the importance of intentional transformation strategies, and how initiatives such as Project Dineo are helping train and place young South Africans into sustainable automotive careers. Nonhlanhla also discusses the role of mentorship, industry collaboration, and programmes like Women Driving Change in creating greater diversity across workshops, dealerships and automotive businesses. For South Africa, the discussion highlights why investing in people is essential to maintaining a globally competitive automotive industry while reducing youth unemployment.

Whether you're involved in the automotive industry, skills development or transformation, this episode offers valuable insights into building a stronger, more inclusive workforce for South Africa's future.

0:00 Intro
1:20 Why the automotive industry needs more skilled artisans
3:02 Progress in bringing more women into the sector
5:54 Why transformation is a business imperative
6:49 How Project Dineo is creating career opportunities
8:38 Why visibility and mentorship matter
10:43 The future of South Africa's automotive workforce

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