With South Africa’s unemployment rate climbing to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026 – leaving 8.1 million people without work – the pressure on South Africa to move beyond statements and deliver real economic participation has never been greater.
The dire situation of jobless youngsters was spotlighted in many quarters during June’s Youth Month and in all honesty, the situation seems daunting. However, to throw some light onto the table, FleetWatch is carrying this story of a young lady who joined Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s Commercial Assembly Plant in 2024 through the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme and has risen to great heights in the company. It’s all about the Power of One.
Behind every Hyundai H100 and EX8 truck that rolls out of Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s Commercial Assembly Plant, is a team of skilled technicians dedicated to quality and precision. Among them is Kwanele Sibisi, one of the facility’s top-performing assembly technicians.
Since joining the plant in 2024, the Newcastle-born technician has helped assemble more than 2 000 vehicles while consistently achieving high-level performance ratings. It is an impressive achievement in a field where accuracy and attention to detail are critical to ensuring vehicles meet Hyundai’s quality standards before reaching customers.
Sibisi works on the assembly line where semi-knocked-down vehicle kits are transformed into fully assembled commercial vehicles destined for businesses across South Africa. Her responsibilities include fitting, inspecting and verifying components throughout the assembly process.
For someone who has always been fascinated by engineering, working in vehicle manufacturing has proven to be rewarding. “I have always been fascinated by the engineering field and wanted to be involved in creating something people depend on every day,” said Sibisi.
“Nothing fulfils me more than seeing Hyundai commercial vehicles on the road and knowing they are helping businesses operate and supporting entrepreneurship. It gives me a real sense of pride because I understand the work, care and attention to detail that goes into assembling each vehicle.”
The Benoni-based Plant has assembled more than 22 000 vehicles since commencing operations in 2013. The facility currently produces key commercial models including the Hyundai H100 and EX8, with the Hyundai GT11 6-ton truck set to join the line-up later this year.
For Sibisi, quality remains one of the most important aspects of her role. “Quality control is not something I compromise on. Every vehicle that leaves the assembly line represents teamwork, pride and responsibility. I always strive to ensure that my work meets the highest standards possible,” she said.
According to Murge Mathapershad, General Manager of the Plant, Sibisi’s performance reflects the discipline required to maintain quality throughout the production process. “Quality is at the heart of everything we do and the standards required in vehicle assembly are extremely high.”
“Kwanele’s consistency, focus and attention to detail have made her one of our standout assembly technicians. Her contribution highlights the importance of skilled people in delivering products that customers can depend on.”
One job given. One Super Star results. The Power of One.
Editor’s Comment: Statistics can either be encouraging or disheartening. When they are too high, one is left almost in despair thinking there’s nothing one can do about it. When they are low, one would perhaps think so what’s the problem. FleetWatch has always acted on the Power of One – one crash is one too many; one hijacking is one too many; one road death is one too many. One job, however, is not one too many. This story proves that to be true.