Most workplaces talk about inclusion. Super Tyres decided to do something about it.
The automotive service company runs a learnership programme specifically designed for people with disabilities. Five learners currently participate, working alongside two permanent employees who also have disabilities. Together, they're proving that physical and cognitive differences are no barrier to success in a technical industry.
The programme pairs education with real work experience. Learners attend classes two days weekly to complete a business administration qualification. The remaining three days are spent in active fitment centres, learning tire installation, wheel alignment, and customer service.
What sets this apart is the buddy system. Each learner works with an experienced workshop leader who provides daily guidance and ensures workplace safety. It's mentorship in action, not just on paper.
Operations Manager Nytanya Loretz puts it simply: "We're not ticking boxes. We're creating opportunities for people to show what they can do."
Sasha Mosehla has a learning disability that makes reading and writing challenging. In the workshop, though, his hands work with precision and confidence. He's mastered tire fitting and continues learning new technical skills. His community once doubted whether he could hold a job. Now he wears his work uniform with pride and encourages others to pursue employment.
Skhulile Shabane sees the world differently through one eye, but her vision for her future is crystal clear. At 27, she's building skills in the automotive sector while planning her next move into accounting. Her philosophy: "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great."
Nonceba Portia Mthembu moves between departments with ease—fitting tires one day, managing housekeeping the next, assisting customers at the counter throughout. She describes her workplace as somewhere people get genuine chances to advance, not empty promises.
Super Tyres doesn't limit its training to disability inclusion. Since 2022, the company has developed over 150 people through various programmes. They recruit from social media, employee networks, and community organizations, casting a wide net to find untapped talent.
The business case is straightforward. These programmes build skilled workers, strengthen team culture, and challenge assumptions about who can do what. According to industry experts, companies that implement similar initiatives often find they improve overall workplace dynamics, not just for participants with disabilities.
Vishal Premlall from the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association notes that Super Tyres represents a shift in how businesses can approach talent development. "When we create opportunities for people with disabilities, we don't just build better teams—we build a better industry."
For other companies considering inclusive hiring, the advice is practical: begin with one or two positions, establish clear support systems, and focus on what candidates can contribute rather than what they cannot.
The learners at Super Tyres aren't asking for special treatment. They're asking for the same thing everyone wants: a fair chance to work, learn, and build a future. The company gave them that chance. The results are making believers out of skeptics.
