On Friday, 21 August, the room buzzed with an infectious, heartwarming energy and a deep sense of unity. In honour of South Africa's Women's Month, the Women of Ford gathered for a morning dedicated to sisterhood, reflection, and boundless ambition, colleagues came together dressed in a vibrant sea of pink, white, and blue, celebrating not just how far women in automotive and engineering have come, but the bright road that lies ahead.
But this gathering was more than a calendar event. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for Women of Ford, a restoration and revival driven by a new committee, a renewed vision, and an unwavering belief in the power of women. Some moments are bigger than an event; they are a reminder of why the community exists and what it is called to build.
The day was rooted in the rich legacy of Women's Month, paying homage to the fearless South African women who paved the way for future generations. An interactive trivia game brought an energetic, playful spirit to the room, sparking friendly competition while reminding everyone of the courage, resilience, and history that built the foundation for today's leaders.
The highlight of the event was the wealth of insight shared by speakers throughout the day. Among the esteemed guests was former Ford plant manager Natasja-Tez Brent, popularly known as Tez, whose career journey and engineering accomplishments served as a powerful testament to what is possible. "Events like this are brilliant," shared Tez. "We need communities like this to encourage and build the next generation of women in engineering."
For longtime colleagues, Tez's return was a proud and touching milestone. Ntswaki Lesufi, currently serving as VME PVT Supervisor, reflected on sharing the workspace with Tez and watching her trajectory unfold: "It is great and inspiring to see the growth Tez has accomplished," said Ntswaki. "It was also amazing to see her again, and the event was beautifully organized and truly amazing."
Beyond celebrating established milestones, the event served as a guiding light for early-career professionals stepping into the automotive industry. The feeling of belonging and shared purpose resonated deeply with young talent across the business.
Oyena Luvela, an FCSD Graduate, captured the heartwarming essence of the gathering: "This event opened my eyes and inspired me a lot," Oyena remarked. "It's great to see that there are women we can look up to, which makes us feel like we can truly grow at Ford. It shows the genuine investment Ford puts into empowering women."
As the event ended, plates were emptied, group photos were snapped, and hearts were undoubtedly full. This was not simply a celebration; it was the beginning of a movement.
Manufacturing has traditionally been a space where women have had to prove that they belong. The vision of the new Women of Ford committee is different: to create an environment where women don't just find a seat at the table, but where they help shape the table. This is not just about creating a space for women; it's about creating opportunities, building capability, opening doors, amplifying voices, developing leaders, and ensuring that women are seen, heard, and felt across the manufacturing space.
Through four pillars; People, Community, Business, and Communication, Women of Ford will focus on turning connection into opportunity, opportunity into growth and growth into meaningful impact.
To the new Women of Ford committee: this is more than a title or a position. It is a responsibility to serve, to challenge, to inspire, and to leave the space better than it was found. And to every woman at Ford: your voice matters, your contribution matters, and your presence matters.
This is the time to restore the spirit, revive the purpose, and reimagine what is possible. Here's to the pioneers who came before us, the leaders guiding us today, and the future generation ready to take the wheel!
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