As South Africa observes Disability Awareness Month from 3 November to 3 December, Super Tyres is highlighting the importance of creating inclusive workplaces where people living with disabilities are given meaningful opportunities to learn, develop their skills and build fulfilling careers.
Through its workplace-based learnership programme and commitment to skills development, the tyre retailer is helping young people gain practical experience, build confidence and prepare for future employment. For Super Tyres, inclusion is about recognising individual potential, providing the right support and creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and grow.
“An inclusive workplace is one where people are recognised for their abilities, supported in their development and given the opportunity to reach their potential,” says Nytanya Loretz, General Manager of Super Tyres. “We believe that meaningful opportunities, combined with guidance, patience and a willingness to learn, can make a real difference. Our responsibility is to create an environment where people feel valued, included and empowered to develop their skills and build their futures.”
From learnership to permanent employment
One of the most encouraging examples of this approach is Sasha Mosehla, who lives with a learning impairment and joined Super Tyres’ Umgeni Road branch in May 2025 through an Unemployed Persons with Disabilities Learnership Programme.
During his 12-month NQF Level 2 Business Administration learnership, Sasha demonstrated commitment, enthusiasm and a strong willingness to learn. Following the successful completion of the programme in April 2026, he was offered permanent employment as a Tyre Fitter, marking an important milestone in his professional journey.
Since transitioning into the technical team, Sasha has continued to develop his skills and is receiving additional training in wheel alignment and basic suspension work. He is eager to broaden his technical knowledge and explore further opportunities within the industry.
“Being offered permanent employment meant that I took a massive step in my life. I saw it as independence,” says Sasha. “I enjoy learning new things and the challenges that come with them, as well as learning from my team’s experiences and the correct procedures and ways to do things.”
For Sasha, continued development is important, both in his current role and for his future ambitions. He hopes to expand his technical capabilities and potentially progress into wheel alignment or suspension work, while also pursuing his longer-term dreams of studying software engineering or working in sports journalism or commentary.
Outside the workplace, Sasha is passionate about rugby and mentors young aspiring players, particularly children from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Through his involvement in the sport, he hopes to share his knowledge and encourage young people to persevere.
“I’d like to teach them that anything is possible. Despite challenges, you can get through them in time. It is about trying and trying, with patience, to succeed,” he says.
His advice to other young people living with disabilities who are seeking employment is to embrace opportunities to learn. “Since this was possible for me, try out any training that you can and grab whatever opportunities you can to learn. Whatever is meant for you, go for it. It will work for you if you are dedicated.”
Sasha’s progression demonstrates the value of providing individuals with the opportunity to gain practical experience, develop their capabilities and take the next step towards sustainable employment.
Building confidence through workplace experience
Super Tyres is also hosting three learners, Olwethu Mmeli Magwaza, Ntando Luyanda Mbuyisa and Enhle Oyona Mthembu, as part of a 12-month NQF Level 2 Business Administration Services learnership programme through Edge Training Consultancy.
Running from April 2026 to March 2027, the programme combines formal learning with practical workplace exposure, allowing the learners to develop administrative competencies and gain valuable insight into the professional working environment.
At Super Tyres’ Head Office, the learners are gaining experience in various administrative functions, developing skills in communication, teamwork, record keeping, data capturing and general office procedures.
For the learners, the experience has provided an opportunity to develop professionally while also building confidence in their abilities.
For Olwethu Mmeli Magwaza, who lives with epilepsy, the learnership has provided an opportunity to strengthen his administrative skills and gain a better understanding of how a workplace operates. “I have learnt that I am willing to learn, responsible and capable of handling different tasks when I put effort into them,” he says.
Having developed skills in filing, data capturing, record keeping, customer service and computer programmes, Olwethu is becoming increasingly confident about his future career prospects. “In the next few years, I would like to see myself in a permanent administrative position with more knowledge, experience and responsibility. I also hope to continue studying, developing my skills and growing in my career,” he adds.
For Ntando Luyanda Mbuyisa, who has a hearing impairment, the opportunity to gain experience across different departments has been particularly valuable. Having worked with Debtors, Creditors and Human Resources, she has gained insight into how different functions within a business connect.
“I have loved learning how different office departments connect. I’ve learnt that I am capable of handling diverse administrative tasks,” she says.
Ntando particularly enjoys working with numbers and has found her experience in Creditors rewarding. She believes that mutual respect is essential to creating a successful team where everyone feels valued.
“Everyone has been patient, clear in their communication and easy to work with. My colleagues make sure I am included in conversations, using clear visual cues, which has made me feel part of the team,” she explains.
Looking ahead, Ntando is confident about her future and hopes to further her studies and pursue a successful career.
Enhle Oyona Mthembu, who also has a hearing impairment, has found the learnership to be a valuable opportunity to develop her skills and gain practical experience. “Being part of the team has helped me gain confidence, improve my communication skills and learn how to work with different people,” she says.
Enhle particularly values the guidance and support provided by her colleagues, which has helped her feel comfortable and included. “The way my colleagues welcome me, communicate with me and help me when I need assistance has made me feel comfortable and included. Their support has helped me feel like I am part of the team,” she says.
As she continues her learnership, Enhle hopes to strengthen her communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills, while gaining the confidence and experience needed to build a successful career.
Inclusion is about creating opportunities
For Super Tyres, the experiences of Sasha, Olwethu, Ntando and Enhle reinforce the importance of creating workplace environments where people are encouraged to learn, contribute and develop their individual capabilities.
The company’s approach recognises that inclusion is not simply about providing access to employment, but also about ensuring that individuals receive the guidance, support and practical experience needed to succeed.
“Each individual brings their own strengths, perspectives and aspirations to the workplace,” says Loretz. “When we create opportunities for people to develop their skills and become part of a team, we are investing not only in their futures, but also in the strength of our business and our industry.”
Through its learnership and skills development initiatives, Super Tyres continues to support young people in gaining the experience, confidence and practical skills needed to take their next steps in the working world.
As Disability Awareness Month encourages greater recognition of the abilities and contributions of people living with disabilities, the experiences of Sasha, Olwethu, Ntando and Enhle demonstrate the value of creating inclusive workplaces where individuals are given the opportunity to learn, contribute and build their futures.
www.supertyres.co.za
