Asandiswa Mantshule leverages her administrative experience and industry insights from working for an AIDC-EC pre-assessed SMME for Gap Analysis of her business, which she used to conceive a bold plan. Alongside her siblings, she forged a legacy of resilience, teamwork and triumph. In the heart of Matatiele's CBD, under the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, a remarkable entrepreneurial journey unfolded.
This family-owned business was born from a vision to deliver exceptional automotive services, exceeding customer expectations in the aftermarket. The business operates from a shared workshop and provides the following services, Â
1.    Mechanic works: General repairs, maintenance, and diagnostics.
2.    Panel beating, spray painting, gearbox and differential repairs that includes specialised solutions for complex issues, and lastly,
3.    Suspension services.
Asahnella Mechanic's inception in 2020 coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic's peak, testing their resolve from the outset. The siblings' determination, however, remained unshaken. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including repeated evictions from various workshops, they persevered. Each displacement forced them to adapt, yet they never lost sight of their vision.
Their nomadic journey finally came to an end when they secured a shared workshop space, where they now pay rent. This stability has allowed them to focus on growth, though ownership remains an elusive dream. Amidst these challenges, a beacon of hope emerged: the unwavering loyalty of their small workforce. These dedicated individuals have stood by the siblings through thick and thin, relocating with them to the current workshop.
Internal dynamics play a crucial role in Asahnella Mechanic's agility. The pioneer sibling oversees administrative tasks, ensuring seamless operations. Her sister provides indispensable support, seamlessly filling in when needed. Their brother, a skilled technician, expertly handles vehicle bodywork, restoring customers' pride in their vehicles. This clear division of labour has fostered efficiency, enabling the business to thrive despite adversity.
The siblings have discovered strength in unity. Their bond, forged in the fire of resilience, has become the backbone of Asahnella Mechanic. As they navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, they remain committed to their core values: impeccable service, excellence, and family.
As Asandiswa reflected on her journey, emotions welled up, revealing the scars of navigating a male-dominated industry. In her previous workshop, she faced intimidation and sabotage from a rival mechanic, who resented her growing success. As her business gained momentum, attracting more clients, the hostility escalated.
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"He would tell customers that I'm incapable, that my work is subpar," she recounted with a trembling voice "But I couldn't let his bullying define me."
The breaking point came when the mechanic accused her of overcrowding the space with her customers. Exhausted and frustrated, she secured a new workshop, seeking refuge from the toxic environment.
However, the challenges persisted. Male mechanics in the new workshop resentfully accused her of poaching their customers, attempting to undermine her relationship with the landlord. But she refused to be intimidated and stood firm against the aggression.
In boldly navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship, she has confronted difficult customers who questioned her expertise solely because of her gender. To maintain composure, she reminds herself of the business's purpose and the stakes.
"I take a deep breath, stay calm, and focus on the solution," she explains. This approach has proven effective in diffusing tension.
Beyond conflict resolution, they have leveraged social media to propel Asahnella Mechanic's growth. Integrating these platforms has expanded their customer base, yielding consistent results. And of course, traditional methods – business cards and flyers distributed around town – complementing their digital efforts.
Their retention strategies for existing customers focus on impeccable service through attention to detail and timely delivery. Transparent communication, uncompromising commitment to quality ensuring customer satisfaction and importantly, family values: unity, trust, and teamwork.
"We are not just fixing cars; we are building trust," says Asandiswa.
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 The AIDC-EC has identified challenges hindering SMME growth as follows:
- Lack of information on automotive support programs
- Poor branding
- Technological disruptions
The Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape supports SMMEs as they are a critical component of any economy, they contribute significantly towards growth and development. The AIDC-EC believes they are an engine of the automotive sector in the Easten Cape. They create jobs, and further create opportunities for other businesses in the value chain, thus, contribute to the livelihood of surrounding communities.
Through the GAP Assessment Analysis on SMMEs, the AIDC-EC can bridge these gaps. This is the 5th analysis following the successful Automotive Aftermarket Franchise Development & B2B Indaba that was hosted in East London recently.
The AIDC-EC’s commitment to support SMMEs in the end seeks to establish a robust aftermarket service offering, including curating proposals to build Automotive Hubs that can accommodate multiple businesses operating, and enable the Eastern Cape Automotive Sector become Globally Competitive.
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