Latest news with #IMSAf
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf), driven by tomorrow's leaders: Sinethemba Cobo — from graduate to business partner
You don't have to know everything, just be willing to learn, stay curious, and believe you have something valuable to contribute. Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) continues to invest in the nation's future by empowering young professionals like Sinethemba Cobo, proof that with the right support, youth can drive meaningful change in both industry and community. Sinethemba's journey: From graduate to business partner Sinethemba Cobo's story with Isuzu Motors South Africa began in February 2020, when he joined the company as a graduate in training, stepping into the automotive world without prior experience. 'I came in straight from university, not knowing what to expect, but IMSAf welcomed me with open arms,' Sinethemba recalls. The timing was challenging, just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it offered him a crash course in adaptability and resilience. From the outset, Sinethemba was immersed in every aspect of automotive sales, marketing, and aftersales support. 'I quickly learned how marketing drives sales, how our dealer network operates, and how after-sales service is crucial to customer satisfaction and product reliability,' he says. This holistic exposure gave him a deep appreciation for IMSAf's core values: reliability, capability, and durability. Today, Sinethemba serves as a Business Partner in the Commercial Vehicles division, managing Full Maintenance Lease (FML) customers, a role that lets him blend strategic thinking with real impact. Growth through opportunity and education IMSAf's Graduate in Training Programme laid the foundation for Sinethemba's growth. 'One of the highlights was attending a Management Development Programme at a top business school,' he shares. Over two years, he delved into strategic management, labour relations, marketing, and leadership. 'It taught me that leadership isn't a title, it's a daily decision. I developed my own philosophy of being a TRUE leader: Trustworthy, Reliable, Understanding, and Empowering.' Education remains central to Sinethemba's journey. With IMSAf's support, he completed an honours programme and is now pursuing a master's degree. 'IMSAf doesn't just talk about development, they invest in it, financially and through encouragement,' he adds. Culture, mentorship, and innovation Sinethemba credits IMSAf's culture, rooted in Japanese values like Ikigai, or 'a reason for being', for helping him find purpose in his work. 'I realised my joy lies in creating value and supporting products that serve people,' he says. This cultural foundation, along with strong mentorship, helped him transition seamlessly from graduate to a strategic, customer-facing role. Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Sinethemba's career. 'My mentor guided me through the organisation, helped me build resilience, and pushed me to always strive for excellence,' he notes. At Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAF), support comes from every level, creating an environment where young talent can thrive. Innovation is woven into IMSAf's DNA. 'We're encouraged to understand the business holistically, which makes innovation intuitive. It's about asking, 'How can we do this better than yesterday?' That mindset of continuous improvement is part of our culture,' Sinethemba explains. Overcoming challenges and giving back Sinethemba's path wasn't without obstacles. 'I applied to many automotive companies before IMSAf, but coming from a disadvantaged background and not having a driver's license was a barrier,' he shares. IMSAf saw his potential and invested in him, covering the cost of driving lessons and helping him secure his license. 'That support changed my life and unlocked my potential,' he says. Empowered by IMSAf's commitment to youth and diversity, Sinethemba now pays it forward, mentoring others, leading community projects, and representing the brand in public forums. IMSAf's support has enabled me to make an impact beyond my immediate role. I've been empowered to lead with purpose and serve with heart,' he reflects. Sinethemba's advice to aspiring youth To young people considering a future in the automotive industry, Sinethemba offers this advice: 'Give the industry a chance. Be open-minded, resilient, and think long-term. You don't have to know everything, just be willing to learn, stay curious, and believe you have something valuable to contribute.' Through stories like Sinethemba Cobo's, IMSAf demonstrates its unwavering commitment to empowering South Africa's youth, fostering innovation, driving change, and building a future that inspires pride and possibility.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) champions youth empowerment and inclusive growth: Onicca Kekae
IMSAf's inclusive culture and robust support systems were pivotal in Onicca's transition from graduate to professional. As Youth Month shines a spotlight on the next generation of leaders, Isuzu Motors South Africa's (IMSAf) ongoing commitment to inclusive growth and economic opportunity is evident in the journey of Onicca Kekae. Her story is a testament to how IMSAf's youth-focused initiatives are empowering young professionals and driving transformation in South Africa's automotive sector. Onicca's entry into the automotive industry was unexpected but purposeful. With a BCom in Economic Sciences and Econometrics, she joined IMSAf through the YES Programme in 2022, stepping into a world she knew little about. 'If someone told me in university that I'd end up in the automotive industry, I probably would've laughed,' she recalls. Yet, IMSAf's supportive environment, structured mentorship, and exposure to real business challenges quickly turned her curiosity into a passion and a promising career. Being placed in the Rest of Africa and International Markets team allowed Onicca to apply her academic background in international economics directly to her work, making her first year both challenging and rewarding. Central to her development were the YES and Graduate in Training (GIT) programmes. The YES Programme provided her with her first real work experience, offering meaningful tasks and the chance to learn from different teams. The GIT Programme then gave her space to explore her strengths, connect with leaders, and reflect on her long-term path. Structured modules on emotional intelligence, strategic management, and leadership for the 21st century helped her grow beyond technical skills, nurturing her ability to lead with purpose. The Management Development Programme (MDP) further shifted her perspective from task-based work to strategic thinking, ultimately preparing her for her current role as a Market Analyst. IMSAf's inclusive culture and robust support systems were pivotal in Onicca's transition from graduate to professional. She highlights how mentorship from managers and executives not only taught her the job but also instilled confidence and resilience. 'IMSAf's inclusive and people-focused culture created a space where I felt seen and supported. I wasn't treated as 'just a graduate', I was empowered as a future leader,' she reflects. A defining moment in her career was applying for the Market Analyst position, a leap she prepared for with determination and the support of her manager. The experience taught her the value of preparation and self-belief, reinforcing IMSAf's ethos of backing young talent to take on new challenges. Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Onicca's growth. Her mentors encouraged her to make mistakes, held her accountable, and helped her define her leadership style, one rooted in integrity and lifting others. IMSAf's culture of listening to young voices has also enabled her to contribute fresh perspectives, from innovating market data tracking to simplifying communication processes. Facing the challenge of impostor syndrome as a young woman new to the industry, Onicca found strength in her team's consistent support and validation. This sense of belonging empowered her to own her seat at the table and, in turn, inspire others. IMSAf's commitment to youth empowerment and diversity has allowed her to make an impact beyond her immediate role, contributing to youth-focused strategies and championing representation in spaces that need it most. Education, training, and upskilling are woven into Onicca's daily work and long-term prospects. Formal programmes and informal learning opportunities ensure she is constantly developing new skills, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career and future leadership. Her advice to aspiring young professionals: 'Be curious, be brave, and be prepared. Don't wait for someone to tell you 'you're ready', start showing up like you already are. Own your journey, and make it count.' Onicca Kekae's story encapsulates how IMSAf's investment in youth, mentorship, and inclusive culture is not only shaping individual careers but also driving broader economic growth and transformation for South Africa's future.
