At just 21 years old, Lathitha Mbambo is quietly redefining expectations on the workshop floor at Hyundai Bellville, in Cape Town.
Since beginning her apprenticeship in June 2025, Lathitha has serviced approximately 100 vehicles per month, totalling more than 800 vehicles to date, with a 100% success record and zero comebacks.
In dealership aftersales operations, ‘comebacks’ which refers to vehicles that return due to unresolved faults, are a critical measure of technical accuracy and quality control. Her zero-return record across more than 800 serviced vehicles is exceptional for any technician, particularly a first-year apprentice.
“Every vehicle that comes into the workshop represents someone’s safety and trust,” Lathitha says.
“I approach each service as if it were my own car. If I sign-off on it, I want to be 100% confident it will not return with a fault.”
Her productivity success places her on par with experienced technicians, according to Keevin Peters, Dealer Principal at Hyundai Bellville. “In this business, comebacks affect customer confidence and operational efficiency. To see this level of excellence, dedication and consistency from an apprentice speaks to both her discipline and commitment to excellence.”
She is also helping reshape perceptions in a traditionally male-dominated technical environment, while signalling a broader shift in how technical careers are being opened to young women across the network. “Service tools do not know whether you are male or female, they respond to skill and focus,” she adds.
Servicing 100 vehicles a month requires mechanical knowledge, time management, diagnostic precision and meticulous attention to detail. “I have learned that small details make a big difference,” Lathitha explains. “A missed check today becomes a problem tomorrow. My motto is do it right the first time.”
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