Tama Mtonga grew from knowing nothing about cars to becoming the General Sales Manager of the successful and proudly Black Owned BMW Joburg City MINI Joburg City dealership. This is her story.
Sitting in the plush lounge of the BMW Joburg City & MINI Joburg City dealership I wondered how it was that I had never met Tama Mtonga before. Not only is she one of the few Black women at her level within the motoring industry but her being an executive at one of my most favourite car brands, should have gotten me at her doorstep earlier! As she gracefully walked towards me to begin our interview, I had no idea that our encounter would turn the old adage – good things coming to those who wait – entirely on its head and so that it became
Who is Tama Mtonga?
Raised in Randfontein, West Rand Tama is the eldest of 5 children, 3 brothers and a sister. She studied at Krugersdorp High School and later studied Marketing at the then Rand Afrikaans University (University of Johannesburg).
The Early Years
As a child I wanted to become an Air Hostess but my grandmother put me off that idea so when I got to University I went into marketing and had dreams of putting brands, and myself out there – or so I thought that is all marketing entailed! When I graduated however I couldn’t find work for quite a while until I saw an advert for BMW Sales Cadet Program applied for the position and was accepted.
Getting into the motoring industry
I knew absolutely nothing about cars when I started at the BMW Sales Cadet Program in August 2007. In all honesty all I had wanted was a job so no, I didn’t set out with a burning desire to join the motoring industry. But as I learnt more about cars, kilowatts, fuel consumption, sales, finance and customer service the more my interest in motoring grew.
The Come Up
The 1stcar I sold was a BMW 520i and I still bump into that first customer at various company events but from the moment I engaged with him everything I had been taught during my training evaporated into thin air! Luckily, he was extremely patient with me and I must gotten a few things right because he subsequently purchased 3 more cars from me over time.
From Downtown to Newtown
The BMW dealership in Commissioner Street did not offer its customers the MINI brand and it became increasingly clear that we needed to cater for that market too. So, when we outgrew the Commissioner Street building and moved into our Newtown home, we seized the opportunity to bring MINI into our stable. Along with the move, I was promoted to General Sales Manager, a position I have held since December 2017.
Turning Challenges into Strengths
Although worthwhile, my journey hasn’t been without its fair share of challenges and I have had to learn to be patient, bide my time identify and turn setbacks into learning opportunities. For instance, I wasn’t simply promoted to the position of Customer Services Manager; instead, I applied for it, was turned down and then offered the position when my seniors felt I was ready for the new role and had matured sufficiently to handle the responsibility that came with it.
Knowing a Good Thing
I consider myself exceptionally blessed to have started my career at Joburg City Auto and to have Mr Stephen Nale, as my mentor. He identified my potential when I didn’t even realise it and nurtured my progress. He believed in me and continues to trust and guide me. I could not have asked for a better work dad!
log onto our YouTube Channel to hear Tama’s full interview including her take on mistakes customers make when buying a car and her touching dedication to Mr Stephen Nale, her mentor.
