Josephine Malakoane is the founder and CEO of Basadi Automotive Group in Alberton, the first 100% Black female owned business of its kind. And to crown it all, she has an MBA behind her name.

And no, it was not easy at all, she tells Dealerfloor. Getting finance without signed contracts in hand was a serious obstacle that she eventually managed to overcome. “Although women in the corporate world are a non-issue today, a woman owning her own business in the automotive world is still one that faces many challenges.

Josephine, who found herself in a job on the fleet management side of the industry, spotted an opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. She established a company that focuses on mobility-related issues moving cars and trucks around from point A to B point whatever the occasion or whenever the need arises.

“We provide more than just a transport service. We move vehicles from port to OEMs and to dealerships by providing qualified and specialist drivers or by transporter movement. We include nationwide de-fleet inspections and collections, moving vehicles to any event, whether it is a launch, promotion activity, exhibitions or chauffeur-shuttle services,” she tells Dealerfloor.

They have been involved at the recently held naamsa Autoweek in Gqeberha providing shuttle services and marketing their business from a spot provided by Absa to Basadi. Josephine says events like the Autoweek create important network opportunities as a business.

Josephine says they have a specialised cleaning service that also includes sanitising and disinfecting vehicles to ensure they are in a pristine condition for any event or use.

Further, moving around vehicles including damages vehicles and vehicles that have broken down from accident recovering to wherever the damaged vehicles need to be delivered to.

“I saw a need for this service when operating in the fleet management space and after serious investigation, stepped into the unknown world of establishing my own business. After hard work, sweat and tears, we were on the road so to speak. We have qualified staff in all the major centres across the country, provide insured warehousing and a solid track record. By providing ad hoc fleet-related services, businesses can focus on their core operations,” she says.

What would her message be to women operating in the automotive industry space? ”It is important to seek opportunities, and before jumping in, do your research. There will always be obstacles, but if we don’t push back, we will not get them out of our way. It is also important for every woman presented with an opportunity to try and open the door for another woman as the road for us is not an easy one.

She tells us that her husband, who worked in the IT industry, has since joined Basadi and contributes a lot towards the business in an industry that is increasingly tech driven.

“The most important aspect, however, is to believe, trust God in everything you do as your strength to do it, comes from Him,” Josephine concludes.