Ford’s 100 years in South Africa
“I’m the first graduate in my family and I’m used as an example at my old school. The teachers talk about me to inspire the children and to make them see that if they work hard they can also be successful,” said Mudau.
She was determined not to focus on her past as she spoke at length about the many courses she’s been on over the years and the skills she’s acquired at Ford.
She said one of her favourite quotes was a Nora Ephron one – “be the heroine of your life, not the victim” – before adding in her own powerful words: “Where a person comes from doesn’t determine where they end up.”
Needless to say, Mudau’s favourite vehicle is her Ford Ranger Wildtrak, which her diminutive grandmother jokingly refers to as a helicopter because of its significant ground clearance resulting in her always needing help to get into it.
The future
Ford South Africa employs 5,500 people. As part of its centenary celebration, it is working with the Department of Basic Education, Maersk shipping company and Gift of the Givers to donate maths and science labs to 100 primary schools across the country.
Along with the new battery facility being built for the Ranger plug-in hybrid, the paint shop is being upgraded as the Ranger hybrid will be exported to Europe once production starts next year.
As Ford gears up to strengthen its commitment to its local operations, one can only hope that the continuing automation of manufacturing and the inevitable incorporation of artificial intelligence doesn’t result in any job losses in a country where employment is still a pipe dream for millions of people.
As part of its centenary celebrations, Ford is working ... to donate maths and science labs to
100 primary schools across the country