Every August, South Africa observes Women's Month, a moment to pause, honour and celebrate the strength, resilience and contribution of women in every walk of life. As we continue this annual Women's Month series, now in its fourth year, we're once again turning the spotlight on the extraordinary women of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa who help shape our culture, drive our business and build our future.
Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing stories of women who lead with purpose, challenge the status quo and inspire those around them, from trailblazers driving meaningful change to those making a difference in ways big and small every day. Each story is a reflection of the values, determination and drive that keep our business moving forward.
Continuing this year's series with Nicole Deerling, Electrician on Lion Headline at the Struandale Engine Plant.
Who is Nicole Deerling? Tell us more about yourself.
I am Nicole Deerling, and I was born in Uitenhage, the third of four children. I was raised with strong discipline and good moral values, which have shaped who I am today. I pursued my engineering studies at Eastcape Midlands College, specialising in the Motor Trade, Mechanotechnology, and completing a Mechatronics apprenticeship through Shatterprufe, where I proudly became the first woman in the Maintenance department. My career has taken me through VWSA, Shatterprufe Neave Plant, and Lumotech.
At my core, I value respect, loyalty, and honesty. I strive to be courageous, authentic, ambitious, and humble, and I cherish the close bonds I share with my family and close friends.
Take us behind the scenes, what does your current role look like day-to-day, and which projects have made you burst with pride to be a part of?
I work as an electrician on the Lion Head Machining Line, and no two days look exactly the same! My role demands hard work, ambition, and dedication, whether I'm troubleshooting issues, verifying processes, or working to continuously improve our systems. I stay on top of KPIs, manage PMS and CMS, handle work orders, and I'm always eager to keep learning and growing in my field. Safety is a top priority for me, so I make it a point to raise near misses, actively participate in constraint meetings, and maintain strong 5S standards in both the electrical panels and the wider work environment. At the heart of it all, my focus is on keeping every machine running smoothly and available, so we can consistently produce quality products while properly maintaining our equipment.
If you had to describe your personality using a flower, animal, or object, what would it be and why?
Without a doubt, I would choose the Protea flower. Like the Protea, I am resilient, deeply rooted, and able to flourish in any environment I find myself in. I carry my heritage with pride, much like this flower represents ours. I've come to learn that true strength doesn't need to be loud, it's quiet and steady, that real roots run deep even when unseen, and that lasting beauty is born from perseverance.
How do you unwind or spend your free time after a long day at work?
I have quite an adventurous spirit, and I love spending my free time outdoors, nurturing my faith, and staying active. Travelling, running, going for walks, and playing sport keep me energised and busy. Above all, my heart belongs to my family and close friends. When I truly need to rest and recharge, I escape to the mountains, a game farm, a spa, a riverside, or a quiet beach.
If we raided your fridge or watched you eat, what would we find, what's your ultimate comfort food or go-to meal?
I like to kick off my day with fresh fruit and plenty of water. When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a good homemade meal loaded with veggies, that's my ultimate go-to!
Is there a woman who has inspired your journey, and what impact has she had on you?
The woman who has proudly inspired me is my high school English teacher, Mrs. Sihaam Barry. Over the past 22 years, I've grown close not only to her but to her family as well. She has walked beside me through every high and every low, becoming far more than just a teacher, she's become my friend and second mother. Her kindness has never wavered, and her home has truly become my second home. From her, I've learned that knowledge is power, but without the wisdom to apply it, it holds little meaning. She taught me to view life with perspective and showed me the importance of setting goals and practicing self-discipline. She also instilled in me the value of hard work and self-belief, while reminding me to take time to pause and enjoy life along the way.
That said, I wouldn't be who I am today without my parents and everyone I share a close bond with. Their support, prayers, correction, and care have all played a role in shaping me, and for that, I will be forever grateful.
What message would you like to share with other women, especially those hoping to break into similar industries?
As women, resilience is something we must embrace wholeheartedly. The professional landscape has opened doors for us to become who we aspire to be and to pursue fairness within our industries. Barriers will always exist, but they shouldn't hold you back or discourage you, never give up. Approach every challenge with diligence and passion, and don't be afraid to speak up and use your voice. Understand that things won't always go according to plan, and that's okay, accept it as part of the journey. And whenever you find yourself in doubt or in need of support, don't hesitate to ask for help.
Always remember: you are valued, you are loved, and you are called, so be a blessing to those around you!