Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) champions youth empowerment and inclusive growth: Onicca Kekae
As Youth Month shines a spotlight on the next generation of leaders, Isuzu Motors South Africa's (IMSAf) ongoing commitment to inclusive growth and economic opportunity is evident in the journey of Onicca Kekae.
Her story is a testament to how IMSAf's youth-focused initiatives are empowering young professionals and driving transformation in South Africa's automotive sector.
Onicca's entry into the automotive industry was unexpected but purposeful.
With a BCom in Economic Sciences and Econometrics, she joined IMSAf through the YES Programme in 2022, stepping into a world she knew little about. 'If someone told me in university that I'd end up in the automotive industry, I probably would've laughed,' she recalls.
Yet, IMSAf's supportive environment, structured mentorship, and exposure to real business challenges quickly turned her curiosity into a passion and a promising career.
Being placed in the Rest of Africa and International Markets team allowed Onicca to apply her academic background in international economics directly to her work, making her first year both challenging and rewarding.
Central to her development were the YES and Graduate in Training (GIT) programmes.
The YES Programme provided her with her first real work experience, offering meaningful tasks and the chance to learn from different teams. The GIT Programme then gave her space to explore her strengths, connect with leaders, and reflect on her long-term path.
Structured modules on emotional intelligence, strategic management, and leadership for the 21st century helped her grow beyond technical skills, nurturing her ability to lead with purpose.
The Management Development Programme (MDP) further shifted her perspective from task-based work to strategic thinking, ultimately preparing her for her current role as a Market Analyst.
IMSAf's inclusive culture and robust support systems were pivotal in Onicca's transition from graduate to professional. She highlights how mentorship from managers and executives not only taught her the job but also instilled confidence and resilience. 'IMSAf's inclusive and people-focused culture created a space where I felt seen and supported. I wasn't treated as 'just a graduate', I was empowered as a future leader,' she reflects.
A defining moment in her career was applying for the Market Analyst position, a leap she prepared for with determination and the support of her manager.
The experience taught her the value of preparation and self-belief, reinforcing IMSAf's ethos of backing young talent to take on new challenges. Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Onicca's growth. Her mentors encouraged her to make mistakes, held her accountable, and helped her define her leadership style, one rooted in integrity and lifting others.
IMSAf's culture of listening to young voices has also enabled her to contribute fresh perspectives, from innovating market data tracking to simplifying communication processes.
Facing the challenge of impostor syndrome as a young woman new to the industry, Onicca found strength in her team's consistent support and validation. This sense of belonging empowered her to own her seat at the table and, in turn, inspire others.
IMSAf's commitment to youth empowerment and diversity has allowed her to make an impact beyond her immediate role, contributing to youth-focused strategies and championing representation in spaces that need it most.
Education, training, and upskilling are woven into Onicca's daily work and long-term prospects.
Formal programmes and informal learning opportunities ensure she is constantly developing new skills, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career and future leadership.
Her advice to aspiring young professionals: 'Be curious, be brave, and be prepared. Don't wait for someone to tell you 'you're ready', start showing up like you already are. Own your journey, and make it count.'
Onicca Kekae's story encapsulates how IMSAf's investment in youth, mentorship, and inclusive culture is not only shaping individual careers but also driving broader economic growth and transformation for South Africa's future.
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