At the landmark 10th anniversary event of Women with Drive, women from across South Africa’s mobility sector marked a decade of THRIVING, LIVING, STRIVING and ARRIVING. The celebration was befitting the milestone 10th year with the theme of JIVING.
Joint Managing Director of Commercial and Brand at MasterDrive, Nishani Chetty, says that ten years in, it is not just a celebration of where we have been but finding the rhythm for where we are going. “It is not just about looking back with nostalgia but recognising the movement we have built with a view of the next decade of growth, both personally and professionally, for every woman.
“That is what Women with Drive is about: motivation, resilience, and casting our eyes forward to the future of women in mobility. It only means something when we make space to share our stories and connect with each other honestly to build this powerful community,” says Chetty.
The Head of Sales at Santam Heavy Haulage, Natalie Mpele, spoke about insuring the journeys of the women who have helped shape the industry over the past ten years. “Ten years of women with drive deserves energy, movement, and of course, rhythm. While we still decide what equality is, we should be asking what we should be doing with the equality we have achieved. There are four ways we can do this.
“Firstly, reflect and remember where we come from, where doors were opened and remember that we do not succeed alone. Secondly, find your rhythm which sometimes is about learning from others and stepping up when you do not feel completely ready. Thirdly, transformation does not happen by standing still but by being challenged and bringing others with us. Lastly, protect and help others find their rhythm so that in the future they walk into rooms and see themselves reflected there,” says Mpele.
A headline address from Melanie van Straaten, Head of Business at Castrol Southern Africa, reflected on what a decade of ‘fuelling the journey’ meant for women in mobility. “Diversity is not just about gender. The culture I want to build is that everybody gets to come to work every day and feel comfortable with who they are. It is about being 100% authentically yourself. As a leader, it is okay to be scared and if it does not scare you, it is not worth doing. Success is not about being perfect, it is about being authentic.
“It is an incredible privilege to celebrate 10 years of drive. The most meaningful transformation was represented in that room: women who chose action, showed up and drove forward even when the path was not smooth. We are not simply celebrating an anniversary we are celebrating women who refuse to run on empty: setting boundaries without guilt, asking for help without apology, investing in growth, celebrating success without immediately moving on and recognise when that resilience is not about carrying everything on our own,” says Van Straaten.
The heart of the day was the panel discussion: A decade later: did we drive the change, or did the road change us? The panellists included Andisiwe Nikelo from WesBank, Chantal Hartmann from Reinhardt Transporters, Ndia Magadagela from MAXUS Electric Vehicles, Paige Lindenberg from Shelby SA and Marcia Mayaba from the Marcia Mayaba Foundation.
Chetty says the panel was a candid look at how leadership in mobility evolved over the past decade. “There was agreement that diversity in the industry is now recognised as a genuine strategic imperative. The conversation turned personal when the panel discussed overcoming fear and building self-belief in male-dominated and often technical spaces. It was summed up simply: confidence is a currency which will help one earn respect and credibility in industries that needed more time to change.
“Often women need to be ‘necessary disruptors’ challenging outdated norms. Real progress means creating space and mentorship opportunities for women starting their careers. Their advice to women entering the sector is to stay authentic, focus on the journey rather than fixating on the destination, and trust that professional identity is something built over time, not arrived at overnight,” says Chetty.
Performance coach Lynn Madeley presented the lifestyle session on turning intention into action. “Most people already know what they want, better health, more discipline, more courage, yet struggle to take the first step that turns a goal into a habit. The most respected people are simply those who move consistently from intention to action.
“We need to stop trying to decode a room and say what we think others want to hear, encouraging authenticity instead as a way to conserve energy and show up more effectively. Confidence is directly linked to physical and mental wellness, stressing that getting nutrition, rest and daily follow through right gives people the energy to sustain their goals. My message is simple: none of it matters until you begin,” says Madeley
A moving alumni video tribute traced the voices who shaped the Women with Drive community since its inception.
The 10th anniversary was marked with the first-ever Women with Drive Legacy Awards, honouring women who have driven measurable change in the sector across seven categories:
· Special mention to the person ‘Most Nominated Across the Categories:’ Ayanda Mtetwa
· Trailblazer Award: Portia Nkosi
· Rising Star Award: co-awarded to Rebecca Phala and Fabienne Lanz
· Ally of the Decade Award: Pamela Nkuna
· Community Builder Award: co-awarded to Pertunia Sibanyoni and Amiene van der Merwe
· Lifetime of Drive Award: Andrea Bogner Botha
· Ms Women with Drive: Liezel Turner
Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, said the 10th Women with Drive – JIVE reaffirms what makes the event different to any other event during Women’s month. “Women with Drive started with a simple belief: that women deserve every opportunity to lead in this industry, not just participate in it. Watching this community grow into what it is, is a proud moment for the team.
“Leadership means believing in people before they believe in themselves and pushing them forward even when the road ahead is not clear. That is what this initiative is dedicated to. MasterDrive remains committed to recognising and empowering women in mobility, and if the last decade is anything to go by, the next one is going to be even better,” says Herbert.
