Pretoria, South Africa – Nissan South Africa has officially been recognised as a leader in gender empowerment, receiving certification from the Standard Bank Top Women Awards. Now in its 20th year, the awards programme honours companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to gender equality as a core business strategy.
The certificate was presented at Nissan’s Irene head office, acknowledging the company’s deliberate efforts to cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
“We as Nissan South Africa are continuously working to build a workplace where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered,” said Kholo Kunene, Human Resources Director for Nissan Africa. “It is an honour to be recognised for the successes we have achieved. Yet while this milestone is significant, it is not the finish line. We will continue to improve the status quo.”
The certification reflects months of meticulous research, benchmarking Nissan’s organisational structure, women-focused skills development programmes, and policies aimed at empowering female employees. Judges also assessed the representation of women across directors, senior management, and broader employee levels.
Historically, women have been underrepresented in the automotive industry. Nissan South Africa is determined to change this, actively driving skills and leadership development initiatives across the organisation—from local suppliers and technical positions in the assembly plant to senior management roles, said Nissan South Africa Managing Director, Maciej Klenkiewicz.
“We can’t just open the door for women to access the industry; we must create spaces where they can grow, develop, and thrive,” Kunene explained. “Women bring fresh perspectives, diverse ideas, and insights that contribute to overall business success. Greater gender diversity benefits not just Nissan, but the industry as a whole.”
Mentorship plays a pivotal role in accelerating gender diversity within the company. “Women employees can access tailored development training and interactive mentorship programmes on a global level,” Klenkiewicz added. “These initiatives demonstrate that their journey inspires others, their leadership matters, and that they are shaping a more inclusive future.”
Receiving the recognition during Women’s Month in South Africa—a time when the country celebrates the invaluable contributions of women in the struggle against apartheid—added special significance, he said.
Kunene noted that a gender-empowered organisation strengthens Nissan South Africa’s ability to attract top talent across the industry. “Everyone at Nissan works together to make the company a success. By fostering a diverse workforce, we are equipping ourselves to deliver the best skills, expertise, and innovation to our customers.”
“We are changing the face of the industry, impacting lives, shaping careers, and building a future together,” Kunene concluded.
