Each month we profile the many different people of Ford, getting to know our colleagues in and out of the office. This month we’re in conversation with Thabang Mohlala, Plant Educator, Silverton Assembly Plant.
Who is Thabang? Tell us more about yourself.
I am a man who was shaped by the vibrant, militant, yet friendly streets of Mamelodi. This is where I grew up, attended school, and developed my foundation. I entered the workforce at a young age, securing a position at Ford Motor Company. Although I temporarily suspended my higher education to focus on my career, my thirst for knowledge never faded. I eventually returned to my studies and have since acquired several qualifications.
I am a devout Christian and an active member of the Lutheran Bapedi Church. Over the years, I have held several pivotal leadership roles within the industry, including serving as the Chairperson of the Ford NUMSA Committee for both the Silverton Plant and Ford National, as well as the Head of Secretariat for the NUMSA Automotive Shop Steward Council in the NBF. In February 2026, I transitioned into a new chapter of my career as a Plant Educator.
Outside of work, I am passionate about sports—you’ll often find me running marathons, hiking, or at the gym. I am a firm believer that exploring the world’s beauty is a lifelong pursuit, and I love to travel. Above all, I am a dedicated husband and a father of two. Oh, and I’m quite the chef, too!
You were born on Youth Day and grew up in Mamelodi. How have these roots influenced your journey as a leader and representative?
Given the significance and rich history of that iconic day, I suppose you could say I’ve been a "comrade from the womb!" Growing up in "Mams," as we call it, taught me the art of adaptation. You had to be street-smart to survive yet remain disciplined and humble to succeed. I owe a great deal to my upbringing; my parents were strict but incredibly supportive.
Serving in various leadership roles within my community and church from a young age also played a pivotal role. Those early responsibilities were the forge that shaped the leader I am today.
When did you start working at Ford of South Africa? Tell us about your journey.
I won’t mention the exact year I started—I’m not ready to reveal my age just yet! What I can tell you is that I began my journey here in my early twenties as a CO2/Gas Metal Arc welder in the Body Shop. From there, I moved to TCF (Trim, Chassis, and Final), where I served as a back-up Team Leader for the C307 line, building the Mazda 3, Ford Focus, and the Bantam.
When those models were phased out, I was incorporated into the J97/Ranger line as part of a specialized team of "absentee covers" supporting the entire TCF shop. Acting as the Team Leader for that group gave me immense exposure; I was constantly interacting with my fellow employees across the floor. That daily engagement built a foundation of trust, and eventually, the workers developed confidence in me and nominated me to be their representative. I served as a full-time Shop Steward for Education and Training before becoming the Secretary of the committee. Following the passing of our late Chairperson, the committee saw fit for me to lead them—a role I held until February 2026, when I took up my current position as a Plant Educator.
What drove your commitment to worker representation in the automotive industry?
It wasn't one specific reason, but rather a natural progression. My work ethic and leadership on the shop floor seemed to resonate with the members, and they saw me as someone who could lead them as a shop steward. I’ve always had a passion for speaking for the "silent majority" and helping to develop people’s consciousness.
I once dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but I was discouraged along that journey for reasons I won’t mention here. My role within the NBF Secretariat was also born out of that same drive—others saw my work ethic and believed I was the right person for the position. I always say, “Giving up is a sign of disrespect to those who believe in you.” I couldn’t dare drop the ball when so many people were counting on me.
You hold several impressive qualifications and are currently studying Labour Economics. How has ongoing education supported your work as a leader?
I’m being "exposed" here, I guess! Hahaha! I’m kidding, of course. I’ve always preached that you cannot effectively lead or teach others if you are uninformed. The most dangerous leader is the one who fails to equip themselves.
Initially, I went back to school to capacitate myself, but it was also about gaining the tools necessary to represent the interests of workers from an informed perspective. You must guard their interests with an educated mindset. Now that my role as a Plant Educator requires constant teaching and training, that knowledge is even more vital—I cannot lead others blindly. In a world that is constantly evolving, continuous learning isn't just an option; it’s a requirement. As Oliver Wendell Holmes said: “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimension.”
Balancing work, leadership roles, and family must be a challenge. How do you stay grounded and energized?
Having a strong support structure at home and at work is the greatest blessing I could ask for. It is never easy—recently leading a shop steward committee responsible for the livelihoods of 4,000 families, serving as a Secretary in the automotive industry, and pursuing my studies while trying to be a present husband and father is no child’s play. But the support of my family and colleagues makes it possible.
What advice would you give to young people, especially from townships like Mamelodi, who aspire to lead?
My journey hasn’t been a straight line—I even dropped out of school at one point. Balancing a job at a young age with the rigors of studying was a massive struggle. My advice is to find a fair life balance early on. Stay rooted in your dreams and remain committed.
Nothing comes on a silver platter unless it’s an inheritance—and even then, you must work to safeguard it. Work hard, equip yourself, and stay out of your comfort zone, because nothing grows there. The streets can be brutal and can easily lead you astray, so be very mindful of what you choose to absorb.
If you could have dinner with any historical figures, who would they be?
I’d prefer a roundtable dinner! I’d invite the late Nelson Mandela, Joe Slovo, O.R. Tambo, Professor Lumumba, Barack Obama, and, of course, Henry Ford—my "breadwinner." The reasons are obvious: each of them, in their own way, redefined what was possible in leadership and industry.
Describe your perfect weekend—what are you doing and where?
I start my Saturday at either the gym or on a hiking trail. By midday, I’m back home to take the kids to an event if time and money allow. Sundays are for the soul: church, books, and cooking for the family. Of course, some weekends are still dedicated to union activities—the work of serving others never truly stops!
What would you tell your younger self?
Be patient with yourself. Life is for living, so don't rush the process. Work hard now so you can reap the benefits later. I believe my younger self would have benefited immensely from that advice. But ultimately, we are where we are, and I’ve learned to appreciate every step of life.
I want to thank the team for this opportunity, especially as we celebrate Worker’s Month followed by Youth Month. I wish the working class nothing but the best. We must protect and safeguard the legacy handed down to us; our generation cannot afford to drop the baton.