Lumka Nyamela, CSR Coordinator at ISUZU Motors South Africa, has swiftly become a notable figure in her team. Her journey, though recent, is powered by a deep curiosity and a commitment to sustainability and community upliftment.
Lumka's career in the automotive sector began last year, driven by a personal milestone—purchasing her first car. This experience sparked her interest in understanding the intricacies of the business, from operations to sales. "The interest came when I bought my first car and wanted to understand the business, the way it’s run, and selling a car to a customer," she explains. Her fascination with the industry's resilience and dedication to sustainability and community care further motivated her pursuit.
Navigating the automotive sector as a woman presented Lumka with significant challenges. "Achieving work-life balance in demanding roles is a challenge faced by women in any sector," she notes. Additionally, breaking gender stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated industry required perseverance and teamwork. Lumka's approach to overcoming these obstacles emphasises collaboration. "Working together as a team produces great results," she asserts, highlighting the importance of mutual support.
For Lumka, the path to a more inclusive automotive industry lies in elevating women's voices and fostering knowledge sharing. "Bringing more women into decision-making roles and encouraging those already in the industry to share knowledge and skills is crucial," she says. Increasing engagement with women and creating inclusive environments are key strategies she advocates for to ensure lasting change.
As a young professional, Lumka offers empowering advice to young women aspiring to enter the automotive industry "Embrace continuous learning and give yourself grace. Trust that you are capable, find your passion, and excel in it," she advises. She emphasises the importance of being open to learning about the technical aspects of the industry and staying informed about industry changes through research.
Lumka is particularly excited about the industry's shift towards sustainability and innovation. "The world is changing at a fast pace with different trends emerging, and it needs someone who can keep up with the change," she remarks. She is enthusiastic about the introduction of electric mobility solutions, which she believes will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, she values ISUZU’s business-driven social upliftment projects aimed at making a long-lasting impact on communities in need.
