DRIVING INCLUSION AND CHANGING PERCEPTIONS IN THE TYRE SECTOR
- BEE NEWS
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Vishal Premlall | 10 November 2025
Driving inclusion and changing perceptions in the tyre sector.
As South Africa marks Disability Awareness Month the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA), is proud to highlight how one of its members is putting inclusion into practice - not just through words, but through action. At Super Tyres, inclusion is more than a policy - it’s a purpose. The company currently employs two people living with disabilities and hosts five learners with disabilities as part of its workplace-based learnership programme. These learners represent a diverse range of abilities, including visual impairment, albinism, scoliosis, learning disabilities, and hearing impairments.
The 12-month learnership combines two days a week of classroom learning - completing an NQF Level 2 Business Administration course - with three days of practical experience in a fitment centre. Each learner is supported by a “buddy system”, with a designated Induna (workshop leader) providing mentorship and assistance to ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment.
“We’re not just paying stipends or ticking boxes,” explains Nytanya Loretz, Operations Manager at Super Tyres. “We’re giving learners the platform to showcase their abilities, not their disabilities. Every day, they remind us that talent, commitment and drive know no limits.” Among the standout learners is Sasha Mosehla, who joined Super Tyres through the Siripat Lions Club, today, he works as a tyre fitter, gaining additional skills in wheel alignment and suspension.
For Sasha, the opportunity has been life-changing. “When I put on my uniform, I feel proud,” he says. “People in my community didn’t think someone with a disability could have a proper job.” Now, he’s motivating friends in his community to look for work and believe in their potential. “Sasha’s story,” says Vishal Premlall, TEPA National Director, “captures the essence of what Disability Awareness Month represents: empowerment through opportunity. It also shows what happens when businesses look beyond perceived limitations and focus on capability.”
Another inspiring learner, Skhulile Shabane (27), lives with limited vision in her left eye but refuses to let that define her. Having completed her matric, she is known for her determination, teamwork, and problem-solving skills - qualities that have made her a valued member of the Super Tyres family.
“Teamwork and community are at the heart of who I am,” says Skhulile. “Inclusivity is about acceptance - opening our hearts and minds to differences and embracing everyone equally.” She hopes to one day pursue a career in accounting, continuing to prove that, in her own words, “you don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
Completing the trio of determined learners is Nonceba Portia Mthembu, who works across tyre fitment, housekeeping, and assisting at the sales counter. Known for her strong work ethic and positive attitude, Portia embodies the company’s ethos of “starting from the bottom and working your way up.” She describes Super Tyres as a place where people are given real chances to grow. “It’s supportive and hands-on. We are encouraged to learn, to try, and to take pride in our work. It’s a friendly but hardworking environment that values honesty, teamwork, and loyalty.”
Together, these young South Africans are redefining what inclusion looks like in practice - proving that with the right support and opportunity, people of all abilities can thrive in technical and customer-facing roles alike.
Super Tyres’ commitment extends beyond its disability programme. Since 2022, the company has trained over 150 learners and employees through its various development initiatives, including the national YES for Youth programme and accredited skills training for permanent staff. Learners are selected through social media outreach, staff referrals, and community partnerships, ensuring opportunities reach those who need them most.
“We commend the approach being undertaken. As a proud TEPA member, Super Tyres is setting an example, other businesses can follow,” notes Premlall. The message is clear. “Start small - but start. Inclusion isn’t just about compliance - it’s about unlocking potential that might otherwise go unseen. These programmes don’t only change learners’ lives; they change your business for the better. You’ll build empathy, unity, and purpose - qualities that make your company stronger.”
Initiatives like these align perfectly with the association’s broader mission to advance skills development and inclusion within the automotive aftermarket. “When we create opportunities for people with disabilities, we don’t just build better teams - we build a better industry,” concludes Premlall.
TEPA is a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.