Cape Town - Thandi Mathabethe-Ngxongo was so inspired by cars and the smell of gasoline that she is now the proud owner of the busy Glenwood BP fuel and service station.
Ngxongo is believed to be one of the few women fuel dealers in KwaZulu-Natal.
A qualified chemical engineer, Ngxongo, bought her service station on Che Guevara (Moore Road) in Durban, last month – after having worked nearly 16 years at Engen Refinery, where she was a national Health Safety Environment Quality Business Partner Manager (HSEQ).
While working with retailers in the oil industry she realised that her dream of owning a petrol station was possible.
“I grew up as a kid playing in worn and ragged cars which were filled up with petrol and oil smell. I quickly developed an instinct for cars and the oil industry. I yearned for success in the male-dominated business,” said Ngxongo.
She said at the moment there were only 4% of black women in the fuel and convenience industry.
She said most women in the industry don't fully own the business.
During her studies in Masters Business Administration (MBA) which she passed cum laude at UKZN in 2019, she researched the factors hindering the entry of black women into the petroleum industry.
Ngxongo, whose father is a reverend, is from Mooi River.
Vehicles lined up at her service station because of its prime location.
She said peak hours were in the morning and afternoon but it was worse on weekends, when people wanted to have fun.
“We are central to everything including, shops, malls, restaurants and pubs in Glenwood.”
She employs more than 50 people at her fuel station and this has made her very proud. She is also the proud owner of Thandi’s Kitchen which specialises in African cuisine on Bartle Road in Glenwood.
Sunday Tribune