Marcia Mayaba: Success means very little if it ends with us

Marcia, many people know your story, but tell us a little about yourself and your journey.

“Many people know the milestones of my career, but what has become more important to me is what the journey has taught me. I’ve spent almost three decades in the automotive industry, from the showroom floor to executive leadership, and every chapter has taught me something about resilience, service and authentic leadership.

“As we celebrate Women’s Month, I’ve found myself reflecting less on the positions I’ve held and more on the responsibility that comes with them. Every door that was opened for me came with a responsibility to hold it open for someone else.

“Today, I don’t measure success by job titles. I measure it by whether I’ve made a meaningful difference in people’s lives and whether I’ve left the industry better than I found it.”

You were recently recognised as the Woman in Automotive at the Woman of Stature Awards in April 2026. What did that recognition mean to you?

“Receiving the Woman of Stature Award was incredibly humbling because I never saw it as recognition of one moment or one role. I saw it as recognition of a journey, of the people who believed in me, mostly males, might I add.

“Every goal that I have set out to achieve, every platform that I have been afforded, is built on an intentional foundation, namely elevating the South African automotive industry, creating visibility, not only for me but for many women who strive to have a voice and influence change.

“It was the first year that Woman of Stature introduced the Woman in Automotive category, and yes, I was the first, but guess what? The 2027 Woman in Automotive category will be an even bigger and better representation for the next award winner. That excites me. I shall be sitting in the room cheering on the Women in Automotive nominees and the subsequent winner. I cannot wait.”

You’ve recently gone through another career transition. Tell us about this chapter.

“Careers have seasons. There are seasons of growth, seasons of challenge and seasons of reinvention.

“This chapter has reminded me that my identity has never been defined by my business card. It’s defined by my values and my contribution. Today I’m privileged to contribute through board leadership, mentoring, speaking and continuing to invest in developing future leaders.

Sometimes life closes a chapter simply because it’s preparing you to write a different one.”

Tell us about the Marcia Mayaba Foundation.

“The Marcia Mayaba Foundation was founded on a simple belief: talent is there, but opportunity isn’t.

“Throughout my career I’ve met incredible young women with the potential to achieve great things. They simply needed someone to believe in them, mentor them and expose them to opportunities.

“While my own career has been built in the automotive industry, the Foundation isn’t limited to automotive. It’s about education, mentorship, leadership development and creating opportunities that empower young women to realise their full potential, whatever career they choose. It’s about access.

“If we can help one young woman change the trajectory of her life, we’ve created a ripple effect that will benefit families, communities and future generations. The young girl child should not experience the life that I have lived to get me to where I am today. Her journey should be better, supported, cushioned through her challenges and, even more so, she deserves the best chance to succeed in life."

Your sister Keatlaretswe (KT) recently passed away tragically. How has this changed your life? How has that experience influenced you?

(KT was hit by a car while crossing a road and passed away shortly after the accident in the Milpark Hospital - Editor).

“Losing KT has broken me. It was almost as if I needed a reality check, a wake-up call.

“It has reminded me that tomorrow is not promised and purpose shouldn’t be postponed. Not that one was complacent, but rather now it is hitting hard, very close to home, by staring the death of my beloved sister in the face.

“I have always respected pedestrians. However, with my sister passing the way she did, I have suddenly become an even sharper and more alert driver. No more laissez-faire driving as if tomorrow is guaranteed for anyone.

“This experience has influenced me to rise to the Road Safety Awareness prerogative, and our family’s objective is to make Johannesburg Road in Lyndhurst safe for pedestrians and motorists. No family deserves to experience what we are going through now."

What does Women’s Month mean to you?

“Women’s Month is probably my favourite month of the year. I genuinely look forward to it because it’s a time when we pause to celebrate the incredible contributions women make in business, in our communities and in our families.

“But if I’m honest, I also believe that the values we celebrate during Women’s Month should not be confined to one month on the calendar. Empowering women, creating opportunities and having courageous conversations should happen every day of the year.

“One thing I’d really love to see evolve is greater participation from men. Over the years, I’ve attended countless Women’s Month events, and the audience is almost entirely women. While those spaces are incredibly important, we’re often having conversations with people who already understand the challenges we face.

“Some of the biggest champions in my own career have been men who believed in me, opened doors for me and gave me opportunities based on my ability. We need more of those allies. We need more men in the room, not to lead the conversation, but to listen, to learn, to understand our experiences and to become active partners in creating more inclusive workplaces and industries.

“At the same time, I believe we as women also have a responsibility to support one another. There is enough room for all of us to succeed. When we compete in unhealthy ways or create barriers for one another, we slow down the very progress we’ve worked so hard to achieve.

“For me, true empowerment is when a woman reaches back, opens a door and says, ‘Come with me.’ That’s how we build a legacy, not individually, but together.”

What would you like to leave Dealerfloor readers with?

“If I could leave readers with one message, it would be this. Success means very little if it ends with us.

“Whether you’re a leader in business, a parent at home, a young graduate or someone just starting your career, use whatever platform you have to create opportunities for someone else.

“And finally, I hope KT’s death reminds us that road safety is not somebody else’s responsibility. Every decision we make behind the wheel has the potential to change a family’s life forever.

“If sharing her story encourages even one person to slow down, pay attention or choose life, then her legacy will continue to make a difference.”

In closing, Marcia says she does not want her legacy to be that she was the first. “I want my legacy to be that I made it better than when I found it and lived true to my words. If I am going to the top, I am not going alone, I am taking women with me.”