Marcia Mayaba, prominent in the automotive industry, was honoured with the SheCan Award at the ‘A Night of Mystery’ WomenCan Awards ceremony held on Saturday the 31st of August at The Fortress Venue.
This prestigious accolade celebrates exceptional women who have made significant contributions to their fields, and Mayaba’s recognition underscores her remarkable career and impact.
In her inspiring acceptance speech, Mayaba shared a reflection on her journey, saying, “I remember when I first started my career, I earned just R2500 a month. It might have seemed modest at the time, but that R2500 was the seed that grew into something much greater. Through hard work and dedication, it helped me build opportunities not just for myself, but for other successful women who have now found their own paths. I dedicate this SheCan Award to my late mother, who was my greatest inspiration, and to my sisters, who are now excelling in their own fields. Their support and belief in me have been instrumental in my journey.”
Marcia Mayaba is a highly esteemed executive in the automotive industry and currently serves as the Vice President – Sales and Auto Information Services at TransUnion. With decades of distinguished experience, Marcia brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to her role at TransUnion.
Her career encompasses a broad spectrum of the automotive sector, including truck rental, car rental, leasing, and fleet management. Marcia’s extensive retail experience includes significant positions such as General Manager, Dealer Principal, and Franchise Executive. Notably, she made history as the first female in the South African motor industry to lead a Motor Group listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange when she was appointed as Chief Executive of Barloworld Motor Retail. During her tenure at Barloworld, she also served as Vice President of the National Automobile Dealers Association, further demonstrating her leadership and influence in the field.
In 2021, Marcia was recognized as one of the Top 100 most influential women in Africa within the Automotive Supply Chain, highlighting her role as a trailblazer in the industry. Her academic credentials include a Gordon Institute of Business Science Programme for Management Development, a Diploma in Public Relations from Lesley Carnelley Business College, and an Advanced Certificate in Road Transport from Rand Afrikaans University (now the University of Johannesburg). Additionally, she has completed Dealer Principal Management Training Programmes at both OEM and retail levels and holds a Sewell’s Dealership Management Qualification.
At TransUnion, Marcia plays a pivotal role in providing a strategic leadership in business development for TransUnion’s Auto Information Solution. Marcia assumed her role by saying “I’m excited to join TransUnion South Africa and contribute to its mission of extending financial inclusion.” Marcia also said, “I look forward to bringing my experience in leading strategic sales initiatives and building partnerships to bear for the benefit of TransUnion’s clients as we work together to create innovative solutions that empower businesses and consumers.”
Tumi Mthembu, founder of the WomenCan Awards, expressed her admiration for Mayaba’s achievements, stating, “Marcia Mayaba embodies the spirit of the WomenCan Awards, transforming modest beginnings into a legacy of success and empowerment. Her story is a testament to the incredible impact of perseverance and vision. We are honoured to celebrate her achievements and proud to have her as part of our community of trailblazing women.”