Zuko Komisa
- National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) is actively working to bridge the gap between unemployed youth and the evolving opportunities within the local motor trade.
- Beyond traditional mechanics, the industry is calling for expertise in digital sales, data analytics, and green energy technology as electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction.
- With the automotive sector being a cornerstone of South Africa’s manufacturing GDP, youth integration is presented as a solution to both unemployment and industry longevity.
In a recent Careers Corner feature on Kaya Biz, host Gugulethu Mfuphi sat down with Thembinkosi Pantsi, National Vice Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA).
The discussion focused on the vital mission of steering South African youth towards sustainable and diverse career paths within the domestic automotive sector.
Thembinkosi Pantsi highlighted that the perception of the “greasy” workshop is outdated.
“The biggest perception is that the automobile industry is all about car salesmen and technicians, and when I joined the industry back in the day, all I knew was you’re gonna sell a car or be a technician, that’s not entirely true.
The reality is the automotive industry in SA is a major economic driver that contributes a significant percentage to the country’s GDP, and of that, you can break it into manufacturing, which is about 3.2%. You have the retail side of the business, which is the car dealerships, which contributes to 2.1% of the GDP.” said Thembinkosi Pantsi
Today’s automotive landscape requires a sophisticated blend of technical proficiency and business acumen.
As the National Vice Chairperson of NADA, Pantsi emphasised that the association is committed to showing young South Africans that the industry offers a professional career path with significant upward mobility.
During the interview, the conversation pivoted to the importance of formal training and apprenticeships.
Pantsi noted that while the barriers to entry can seem high, there are numerous vocational pathways designed to transition matriculants and graduates into dealerships and assembly plants. By fostering these connections, NADA aims to ensure that the local industry remains globally competitive while simultaneously addressing the national youth unemployment crisis.
Listen to the full conversation here:
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