Women shaping the future of the automotive industry

From her early teens, Rosy Govindasamy spent her school holidays in a panel shop, immersing herself in the world of cars. She learned the intricacies of sanding, polishing, stripping, and assembling vehicle bodies alongside her stepfather. Govindasamy ‘s fascination with the automotive world was undeniable and it became clear that she was destined to own her own panel shop. In 2013 she transformed this dream into reality by establishing Springfield Panel and Paint in Springfield Park, Durban.

This structural workshop gained approval as a repair centre for major automakers like Hyundai, Kia, Renault, Chevrolet, Peugeot, Opel, Ford and Citroën. Besides handling warranty-related work, they also expertly repair non-warranty vehicles.

In just seven years, Govindasamy ‘s passion and dedication propelled her business’s growth. What started as a rented 200m² facility has now expanded to a substantial 1 000m² space. Today the business is proudly associated with the South African Motor Body Repair Association (SAMBRA), and employs a team of 23, with half of the staff comprising women and youth.

Govindasamy is thrilled to witness a growing interest among women in the sector, with more women becoming qualified journeymen. Jacques Viljoen, the national director of SAMBRA, an integral part of the Retail Motor Industry Association (RMI), commends the increasing female presence in the industry. He recognises the importance of figures like Govindasamy in challenging stereotypes and raising awareness of the numerous career opportunities for women.

Govinasamy ‘s journey has been shaped by personal challenges. She recalls how her stepfather lost his business due to financial difficulties. Her own experiences included working as a financial manager at a BMW Approved Repair Centre (ARC), then progressing to become the manager of the ARC. However, she faced redundancy. She viewed this setback as a blessing in disguise, an opportunity to utilise her financial and management acumen to operate Springfield Panel and Paint successfully. She affirms, “I am living my dream.”

Her ambitions reach beyond personal success. Her struggles as a woman in the auto repair industry have ignited her passion for developing and mentoring women and young individuals. Recognising a significant skills gap in the panel industry, she laments that many learners today don’t consider panel beating or spray painting as a viable career path. Moreover, shop owners often fail to leverage apprenticeship programmes, resulting in increased labour costs due to high demand for skilled professionals. This extra expense isn’t always factored into the labor rate calculation, posing challenges in a male-dominated industry.

Insurance companies’ reluctance to place trust in female-owned panel shops remains a persistent issue in Govindasamy ‘s world. She emphasises the need for continuous proof of capabilities as a woman in this industry. This drive to succeed, coupled with her determination to empower other women, gave rise to “WomenOnFire co-op.” This co-operative offers women in the panel beating business opportunities for marketing and networking. In addition to her panel shop, Govindasamy, along with two other women, owns Springfield Motor City, a wheel alignment, suspension, and mechanical centre – an empowerment project that underscores her commitment to gender equality.

For Govindasamy, being a member of SAMBRA represents a dream fulfilled. She notes that her business has gained substantial benefits from this prestigious affiliation, including enhanced credibility, access to up-to-date industry news and trends, and valuable business advice and guidance. Yet, the most significant advantage lies with a brand that upholds fair trade principles and integrity.

Her advice to aspiring women in the sector is clear. “Be your own source of strength, muster courage, and embrace the right attitude. These qualities and determination will empower you to achieve your dreams.”

Source: Cathy Findley PR