Women entrepreneurs in the automotive sector are invited to apply to be part of the phenomenal transformative journey that promises to gear them up into being owners of car dealerships.
The University of Tshwane’s Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW), in partnership with the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund (AITF) and naamsa |the Automotive Business Council – has launched the Future Dealership Women Management Development Programme. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to defy conventional norms, shatter barriers, and instigate remarkable advancements within the sector.
The Future Dealership Women Management Development Programme represents a comprehensive 4-month management development curriculum, meticulously designed to bolster the presence of female entrepreneurs within automotive dealerships and to alleviate the underrepresentation of women and individuals of diverse backgrounds in the automotive domain. This bespoke programme will host a cohort of 30 exceptional participants. Upon successful completion, these individuals will emerge equipped with the proficiency to establish and manage their own automotive dealerships, demonstrating prowess as effective leaders. Additionally, they will acquire a profound comprehension of the automotive sector’s pivotal role within the South African and global economies. The custodianship of this innovative initiative rests with IFOW, an ideation hub for the future of work established to address the challenges brought on by 4IR and industrial revolutions yet to come. IFOW will bear the responsibility of delivering this programme with a commitment to excellence. In alignment with its core mission of driving transformation in the automotive sector, AITF will play a crucial role as the provider of developmental funding, access to markets, and capacity development for qualifying black-owned entities. This partnership with IFOW underscores AITF’s dedication to fostering sustainable growth and innovation within the industry.
The author of this noteworthy venture is naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, known as the ‘ambassadors’ of the South African auto industry. Driven by the ambition to cultivate a workforce that is not only skilled but also diverse, naamsa envisions a future where total employment within the automotive value chain doubles, contributing substantively to the holistic development of the country consistent with the SA Automotive Masterplan 2035. The Future Dealers Development Programme will be delivered through a hybrid format, encompassing both on-campus and online sessions. Commencing on 17th October 2023, the programme holds immense promise for aspiring automotive women entrepreneurs. Online applications opened on September 1st, 2023, and close on September 22nd, 2023.
“We acknowledge that the wheels of transformation are not turning fast enough. Equally important, is making sure that we create more sustainable opportunities that advance black owned businesses especially by women – with programs such as this one [referring to The Future Dealership Women Management Development Programme] and the battery manufacturing program to be announced soon.” Says Mike Mabasa, the CEO of naamsa.
To apply, visit 2023 Application Form: Future Dealership Women Management Development Programme (google.com)
For further inquiries, you may contact the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) at [email protected] .