Page 75 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

Don’t be afraid to start over.

journey: “We now have seven staff members, four of mum, I always wanted to give them everything I couldn’t
Founder and Director,
whom are qualified mechanics. It’s been a whirlwind, have. It wasn’t always possible, but today, when I look at
Pinetown Diff and Gearbox
but we’re thriving.” Despite the challenges, Nadeera’s where we are, I tell them, ‘We’ve made it.’ My drive was
drive and determination have been unwavering. “I cried always to make sure they had a bright future.”
adeera Ramharakh is the founder and director of every day at my old job, but now I wake up excited to
Pinetown Diff and Gearbox, which remanufactures work on my own terms.” The journey hasn’t been without its hardships. Nadeera
Nand repairs gearboxes and differentials of most faced the loss of her mother just four months after starting
makes and models of cars and bakkies. Her leadership style is one of empowerment and her business. “That was one of the hardest challenges I’ve
flexibility. “I handpicked my staff, and I believe in staff faced. But I knew I had to keep going, not just for myself
Nadeera grew up in Phoenix, a town where her passion loyalty and uplifting people. If their task for the day is but for my kids.”
for cars and mechanics was born. As the eldest of five
siblings, she embraced a hands-on approach to life, done, I encourage them to go home and spend time Looking back on her journey, Nadeera is proud of what
something that would define her career. Recalling her with family. It’s important to create a happy work she has achieved. “I’ve had to start my life over three
environment where people want to come to work, not
early years, Nadeera shared, “On Sundays, my dad would dread it.” times, and each time, it wasn’t easy. Everything I’ve
tinker with the cars after breakfast. There was nothing to accomplished, I’ve done with the support of my family
fix, but he’d still be there, adjusting something. I’d be the Overcoming Challenges and sheer determination.”
spanner girl passing him tools, asking questions. That’s
when I realised how much I enjoyed cars.” While the growth of her business has been rapid, Nadeera’s story is one of resilience, especially for women
Nadeera is no stranger to the challenges that come with looking to break into male-dominated industries. “To
Despite her love for cars, Nadeera initially pursued a more entrepreneurship. “Every day brings something new — young women following in my footsteps, I’d say don’t
traditional career path, studying law for two years. “Mum whether it’s clients not having the funds for repairs or be afraid to start over. I’ve sold chips and cooldrinks from
wanted me to be a professional, but I quickly realised it dealing with complex gearbox issues. It’s never easy, but my office desk just to make ends meet, and today, I own
wasn’t me. I wasn’t the type to sit behind books.” Life’s that’s part of the process.” a business.” She encourages women to embrace every
journey led her to corporate work at Mercedes-Benz, opportunity, no matter how daunting it may seem. She
where her passion for trucks and cars truly flourished. Another hurdle has been competition. “Competitors says, “Take the leap, because you can achieve anything if
“That’s where I found my calling,” she explained. The often try to undermine us by questioning our credentials you believe in yourself.”
desire to work with her hands, to fix things, was always or spreading doubt among clients,” Nadeera admits. “But
there — whether it was plumbing at home or repairing I’ve learned to handle these situations with integrity. We Nadeera’s passion for cars extends beyond the workshop.
cars — and this passion fuelled her dream to own a do damage control, explain our values, and assure clients She loves fast cars, car modifications, and attending
workshop one day. of our quality.” car shows. “It’s not just about the mechanics; it’s about
understanding the full potential of a vehicle and the
Building a Dream Business Nadeera’s ultimate goal is to see Pinetown Diff and engineering behind it,” she explains. Though her workshop
Gearbox expand further, potentially into a franchise. currently focuses on modifications like installing diff locks,
Nadeera’s path to founding her company wasn’t a “We’d like to be affiliated with a brand like Bosch or E-Car. she hopes to explore engine modifications in the future.
straightforward one. After years of working in a toxic It’s a long road, but I believe we’ll get there,” she says
work environment, she decided to take a bold step. “I was confidently. In addition, she dreams of one day opening Beyond her work, Nadeera has found ways to balance
backed into a corner at work, and one day, I just woke up a multi-brand dealership, where her team can service her personal and professional life. One of her favourite
and said, ‘I’m doing it’.” Without much planning, Nadeera all types of vehicles. “It might seem far-fetched, but weekend activities is selling vegetables at the local flea
started Pinetown Diff and Gearbox 14 months ago, I’m sure it’s something we can achieve in the future. We market. “For me, it’s therapy. I’m out there with my kids,
turning her vision into reality. “It was literally an overnight are striving to be the number one woman run workshop in the fresh air, surrounded by nature. It’s humbling, and
decision. I took my savings, bought the necessary in KwaZulu-Natal.” it’s our family time together,” she shares.
equipment, and started in a shared garage.”
Balancing Work and Family With her eyes set on new opportunities, Nadeera is
Pinetown Diff and Gearbox has grown into a five-star determined to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s
graded workshop, RMI approved and proudly woman- Nadeera’s children, Ashay and Sanjana, have been her possible. “I’m proud of what we’ve built, but we’re just
run. Nadeera beams with pride as she reflects on the biggest motivation throughout her career. “As a single getting started. The future holds so much more.”

Nadeera RAMHARAKH | 73