Hyundai Automotive South Africa Launches “Drive Your Dreams” Mentorship Programme to Empower Future Automotive Leaders
Johannesburg, 08 September 2025 – For many South African high school learners, the world of work exists only in their imagination. This disconnect often results in untapped potential and uninformed career choices. Hyundai Automotive South Africa is now changing that narrative with the launch of Drive Your Dreams, a pioneering mentorship programme that guarantees learners an employment opportunity once they leave school or graduate from tertiary education.
The inaugural cohort comprises 30 top-performing Grade 11 learners from Oosrand Commerce and Entrepreneurship School of Specialisation in Boksburg. Among them, 16-year-old Zaakiyah Human had the distinguished honour of being mentored by Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, setting the stage for the programme’s vision of hands-on leadership guidance.
“Women make up less than 20% of South Africa’s automotive workforce, and globally they hold less than 10% of leadership positions in the industry,” says Anderson.
“We want to tackle this imbalance by inspiring more young women to enter and lead in the sector. We want to show that there are careers here for them, and that Hyundai Automotive South Africa becomes their employer of choice.”
Moving Lives Forward
A survey conducted among 336 Grade 11 learners at Oosrand School revealed stark insights: two-thirds had never met a CEO or business leader, half lacked a mentor, and half would be the first in their families to pursue tertiary education.
“This shows just how removed learners are from the world of work, and why mentorship matters,” explains Anderson.
“As a company that promotes inclusivity and forward-thinking, we believe that mobility is about more than just moving people from point A to point B. It is about moving lives forward.”
Oosrand School was chosen to pilot the two-year programme due to its outstanding performance among the 22 secondary schools that Hyundai Automotive South Africa has supported through literacy initiatives.
“Through our school libraries, we have invested in literacy and access to knowledge,” says Tamika Mercedes, General Manager for Training at Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
“Drive Your Dreams is the next gear. It is about turning access into opportunity. We want young South Africans to see what’s possible beyond the classroom and to know that their dreams are valid and achievable.”
Executive Mentorship in Action
Under the programme, the learners will spend two days a month at the Hyundai Training Academy in Bedfordview, gaining exposure to the automotive industry, company culture, communication skills, time management, and teamwork. Each participant is paired with a senior executive or manager to provide guidance, mentorship, and real-world workplace experience.
When the learners matriculate in 2026, the top-performing student will receive a bursary covering a three-year university degree in an automotive-related field, along with the promise of employment after graduation. Other participants will have the opportunity to join Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s apprenticeship, sales cadet, and learnership programmes.
“All activities during the mentorship are geared towards these young people working at Hyundai Automotive South Africa and becoming a part of our family,” Anderson concludes.
Drive Your Dreams exemplifies Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s commitment to inclusivity, career development, and social mobility, providing young learners with the tools, guidance, and opportunities they need to transform ambition into achievement.
