Ford South Africa celebrates Women’s month by showcasing four outstanding individuals who keep the wheels turning. The Blue Oval in Mzansi says each woman represents the spirit of determination, innovation and passion that continues to drive Ford South Africa forward every day.
WOMEN AT FORD SOUTH AFRICA
*Video: Ford South Africa on YouTube
‘TANNIE FORD’
Trudy Pitout began working at Ford South Africa in the East Vaal service department in 1982. Her determined attitude and passion for helping people quickly saw her move to the sales department at the age of 17. In 2021, she was named a finalist in the Women Motoring of the Year Awards and has received numerous other awards. Trudy is affectionately known as ‘Tannie Ford’, a nickname she wears with pride.
WORKING A MEGA FACTORY
Motubatse Elize Pete began her journey with Ford South Africa in 2022 as a Production Process Coach, before becoming a Scheduling Analyst in 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Technology in Mechatronic Engineering and an Advanced Diploma in Business Management. But let’s not forget to mention her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. A deep love for robotics, cars and engineering shaped her unique study path.
Elize wanted to do something that was challenging, multi-disciplinary and provided the ‘mega-factory’ experience she craved. Her advice for other women is to expose themselves to everything in the industry and position yourself to succeed. Trust your instincts, do not let fear deter you, do it even if you’re afraid, be confident and live in the moment.
MASTER ENGINEER
Yuliia Varchuk is a Programs and Engineering manager at Ford South Africa, after starting her journey with Ford Russia in 2004. At seven years old the Iron Curtain fell, and she saw her first foreign movie, with a woman in jeans driving a red Ford pickup truck. This image of freedom and self expression inspired Yuliia. At 15 years old her dream was to design a car, or have the skill to build or restore one.
There were few higher education opportunities in Saint Petersburg, and even fewer that focused on the automotive sphere. So, she started working as close to engines as she could get, as an apprentice foreman in aircraft-production. Fast forward 26 years and Yuliia works for Ford South Africa, drives a Ranger, and can rebuild any vehicle she chooses. A strong advocate for women to pursue careers in the science, technology and engineering, Varchuk admits that her blood is blue, and she continues to inspire women to bring new talent to previously male-dominated fields.
FIRST WOMAN IN THE WORKSHOP
Nicolien de Beer proves that despite her youth, she’s not easily intimidated. She currently works for Ford South Africa at Motus Rhodesfield in Kempton Park. During her matric year, the dealership was scouting for learners focusing on physics and math. Nicolien applied and is now a Diagnostic Technician. At the time she was one of the first women in the workshop but as a valued member of the team she receives the help and support from all her colleagues to learn and grow.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest social media updates.
