Marcia Mayaba

Barloworld's Marcia Mayaba shatters the 'glass ceiling' of the motor industry in South Africa once again.

We are delighted to announce that Barloworld's Marcia Mayaba has been appointed Vice President (VP) of the National Automobile Dealers' Association (Nada). Just last year, Marcia became the first black female in the South African motor industry (and at Barloworld) to become Franchise Executive, Ford and Mazda, at Barloworld. The motor industry in South Africa has historically represented one of the most impenetrable ‘glass ceilings' for women. With women like Marcia assuming executive and leadership roles, this is set to change.

Marcia has spent 23 years building her career within Barloworld. No stranger to adversity, Marcia concedes she joined the motor industry as a result of necessity. She had to abandon her law degree and drop out of university to support her two siblings when her Mother tragically lost her battle to cancer in 1995. The legal profession's loss was undeniably the motor industry and Barloworld's gain.

Marcia's role as Nada VP

Nada's Chairperson, Mark Domisse, says the organisation is: "extremely excited to have Marcia on board. We look forward to working closely with her on various matters impacting motor vehicle dealers from an economic, social, diversity and transformation point of view." Marcia has long been a champion of promoting greater racial and gender diversity in the motor industry, and she is a self-proclaimed "necessary disruptor" for the industry in South Africa. She says of her new role at Nada: "It is an honour to have been appointed to the role of VP, which I embrace with excitement. I intend to add value to the great work Nada does on behalf of its members. The association has reflected enormous tenacity in its assistance and guidance to its members during the current pandemic and ongoing crisis. What a time to be involved at this level and lead our industry."

Women's Month 2020

Women's Month has unique significance in South Africa. It is a tribute to the 20 000+ women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 9 August 1956, in protest against the extension of the dehumanising Pass Laws to women, as part of the Apartheid regime. Recognising and celebrating the triumphs of women like Marcia is particularly apposite as we celebrate Women's Month.

Inclusivity and diversity remain central to how Barloworld approach its people. Last year we initiated the Women's Month theme: "The Table is Big Enough". We proudly continue that theme in 2020. Barloworld is committed to meaningful transformation and has set a target of reaching a 40% female staff component by end September 2020. We are also honoured to have been named finalists in several categories in the 2020 Gender Mainstream Awards (GMA). We recognise that "the difference between a broken community and a thriving one is the presence of women who are valued", Michelle Obama.