‘Mother of Broken Cars’ graduates as qualified motor mechanic

Affectionately known in the Mount Fletcher community as the “Mother of Broken Cars”, Nosipho Kholutsoane has turned her passion for restoring neglected vehicles into a growing business.

Kholutsoane graduated as a motor mechanic from the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) TVET College in Mthatha on 17 July 2026, alongside 69 other graduates who completed the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) Programme.

The programme was funded through a project of the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier and implemented by the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC) in partnership with KSD TVET College.

Kholutsoane was one of only two women among the 70 graduates, making her achievement a significant milestone for women pursuing careers in the traditionally male-dominated automotive sector.

Her journey from repairing broken and neglected vehicles to becoming a qualified artisan is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of skills development.

Through her business, Lereku Trading, Kholutsoane has dedicated herself to restoring vintage and unique vehicles. Her work includes vehicle body building, motor body repairs, spray painting, and the restoration of classic cars.

What began as a passion has developed into a business that has attracted attention beyond her community.

Deutsche Welle, a German TV news network, has featured some of her work, while her restored vehicles have been hired for weddings, matric dances, shows, and other events.

However, her journey has not been without challenges.

Kholutsoane has faced scepticism from members of her community who questioned her decision to invest time and resources in restoring vehicles.

She has also encountered challenges common to small businesses in the automotive aftermarket, including limited access to specialised equipment, financial management constraints and difficulties accessing funding for machinery and imported parts needed to restore classic vehicles.

After responding to a call for interest to participate in the Automotive Aftermarket Support Programme in 2023, Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC) identified areas where intervention could support the growth and sustainability of her business.

Lereku Trading subsequently received R474 747.30 worth of tools and equipment in 2025 through the AIDC-EC Tools, Machinery and Equipment Support Programme.

While Kholutsoane had developed valuable practical skills through years of hands-on experience, she said obtaining formal recognition is not a mere certificate, but a formal recognition of the skills she has worked hard to develop over the years.

“The qualification formally recognises the expertise I have developed over the years and could help strengthen my credibility, unlock new opportunities and position my business for further growth,” Kholutsoane said.

Breaking barriers

As South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March, Kholutsoane’s story provides an example of women breaking barriers and succeeding in traditionally male-dominated fields.

By investing in women's skills, recognising their expertise, and creating opportunities for them to thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries, programmes such as the ARPL initiative are helping women unlock their full potential, strengthen their businesses, and contribute meaningfully to the country's economic growth.

For AIDC-EC, Kholutsoane’s achievement also demonstrates the impact of investing in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and supporting the development of the Eastern Cape’s automotive aftermarket sector.

Her graduation marks not only the culmination of years of practical experience and training, but the beginning of a new chapter as a qualified artisan and entrepreneur.

Kholutsoane’s journey stands as an example of resilience, determination and a woman breaking barriers while helping build a stronger and more inclusive automotive industry. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.