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Women driving change in the glass industry

20 August 2024 My Glass
Mumtaz Moola

Mumtaz Moola

Maureen Bezuidenhout

Maureen Bezuidenhout

Kavseena Bhika

Kavseena Bhika

Rinita Naude

Rinita Naude

Nicky McLaren

Nicky McLaren

Determined women are making their mark in the automotive glass industry – with a little help from an innovative company.

The slow but steady advance of women into previously male-dominated industries is a story of individual grit and ambition – but it’s also one that shows the power of innovative thinking from established players within that industry. Just such a scenario is currently playing out in the South African automotive glass industry, where My Glass’s innovative licensing model is opening up opportunities for women in the sector. 

Mumtaz Moola, Director at My Glass, says that the company’s licensing model was designed by its founder, Gary Stieger, to make it easier for previously disadvantaged individuals to become successful entrepreneurs and, in the process, create jobs. 

“Small, entrepreneurial businesses are the main engines of job creation and economic empowerment globally, but South Africa’s small business sector underperforms when it comes to creating jobs and creating sustainable businesses,” Moola says. “The My Glass model is an attempt to reverse this trend – and it works!” 

As of 2024, My Glass licensees are 60% black, and 30-40% female. Via its licensees, employment for around 500 people has been created, with the potential for many more jobs as the licensee businesses grow. 

Moola says that the company elected not to go the franchise route to make it easier for entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged groups to build businesses. 

“Because there are no hefty franchise fees and onerous requirements, we make it easier for entrepreneurs to do what they do best,” she says. “By building relationships with the big insurers, we provide a steady flow of business for our licensees, backed up by our systems.” 

An empowering model

Maureen Bezuidenhout is one woman who has benefitted from My Glass’s approach. She joined her brother’s glass business after a long career in correctional services, becoming one of the first women in chip repair. When her brother decided to immigrate, she bought the business, and has grown it from four fitment teams with two administrators to 12 teams and 10 administrators. 

“We only employ two men,” Bezuidenhout says proudly. “I’m very focused on helping women to become independent – and to show that they can compete successfully with men.” 

Kavseena Bhika, who manages the whole northern KwaZulu-Natal area, was initially hesitant about joining My Glass because the brand was relatively unknown. But when she investigated further, she was bowled over by the company’s work ethic and the support it offered to licensees. 

Rinita Naude, another female mould-breaker, says she entered the automotive glass industry with her husband because she saw it as a good investment. She is inspired to be part of an industry that works together to protect the public. 

“Our team is mostly male, as are the suppliers, and in a way I sometimes think I get a bit of special treatment on that account – I have found the men to be welcoming,” she says. “As a woman in this industry, it can be daunting to be expected to know a lot about vehicles – you really have to do your homework and then have the confidence to assure the client they are in the best hands.” 

Nicky McLaren, My Glass licensee, agrees that men typically assume that women don’t know too much about vehicles. “We’ve shown them a thing or two,” she laughs. 

Bhika says that men tend to feel that women are best suited to doing paperwork. “I’ve had to learn a lot, and especially how to think like a man,” she says. “One can feel undermined, but I’ve found it’s best to pre-empt them by showing I know what I’m talking about.” 

She calls out the support from the women in the My Glass organisation, who offer support and advice when needed – something her peers confirm. “It’s not like you’re on your own,” she says, “And after running my own business for 18 years and doing it own my own, this makes a big difference.” 

Some advice for women entering the job market, Bhika says to find your passion and do something that brings you joy. “The highlight of my career so far has been joining My Glass. Working with a team of women who support and encourage me – and then the appreciation from clients when you help them recover from some typically traumatic event creates such joy in the whole experience.” 

Making it work

As career women, MyGlass licensees have to find ways of striking a balance between work and home. Bezuidenhout says that she tries to ensure that she keeps the two very separate. McLaren agrees, saying that one has to know when (and how) to switch off. 

For Bhika, the difficulties inherent in managing a busy work and family life are somewhat reduced because she was raised in a business-oriented, entrepreneurial family. “As a girl, I spent my afternoons in the family business’s office, just as my daughter did in mine,” she says. “If you want your own business, you have to do what it takes to make it work. Yes there are hard days, but you dry your tears, you get up and you keep moving.” 

Naude says she still has to find the perfect recipe. “Some days are better than others,” she says. “The main thing is not to be too hard on yourself when you don’t get it right.” 

All four women say that achieving success against the odds has been satisfying, and they have benefited from learning important lessons along the way. They are clear about one thing: My Glass is playing a big part in helping them to achieve their goals, now and in the future.

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