From High School Disappointment to Car Mechanic Success
Paballo Maifo wanted to be a teacher, but her matric results were not good enough for university. She stayed at home for three months, not knowing what to do next. Her uncle, who was studying mechanical engineering, noticed her love for cars and suggested she become a motor mechanic.
In 2019, Maifo joined a training program called Kgabo Cars in Soshanguve. There, she learned how car parts work and how to fix them. She also trained for a year at a Mercedes-Benz specialist company. Now, at 29 years old, she is a qualified motor mechanic and runs her own business selling car parts.
How the Program Works
Kgabo Cars has been training unemployed young people for 15 years. Students learn:
- How to find problems with cars
- How to service and repair cars
- How to fix electrical systems
- How to talk to customers
- How to run a business
The program is based in Soshanguve, a township, so young people don't have to travel far. The founder, Dr Isaac Boshomane, says many people think only university leads to success, but that is not true. He believes more young people should learn trades like motor mechanics.
Another Success Story
John Matibita joined Kgabo Cars more than 10 years ago. He always loved fixing things. After he qualified, he stayed to teach new students. Later, he started his own business, MJ Mums Auto Service. He wants to create jobs for others and pass on his skills.
Matibita says: "My goal is not only to run a successful business but also to help other people grow in the industry."
Why This Matters
South Africa has a high youth unemployment rate. Programs like Kgabo Cars give young people a chance to learn valuable skills and start their own businesses. A skilled mechanic can earn good money, especially if they own their own workshop.
As Dr Boshomane says: "Artisan training is not a 'second choice', it is a powerful first step towards independence."
This article was originally published on Sowetan.
