A mechanic from Bonteheuwel says she wants to test and break boundries with her trade.
Kayla du Toit, a 28-year-old mother of one from Bonteheuwel, is taking on the world in a field dominated by men.
In 2011 she matriculated from Spes Bona High School and immediately had a liking to diesel, oil and mechanics. This led her to do an apprenticeship at JTK Marine in diesel fitting in 2012.
JTK then closed down leaving Kayla wondering how she would be able to achieve her dream, but in 2016 she was off to Northlink to study her N3 in Diesel Trade.
In 2018 she was one step closer to her dream when she was chosen to join Imperial Motors and do her diesel mechanic apprenticeship and later in 2021 qualified as a diesel mechanic.
“It initially started at school,” says Du Toit who excelled in mathematics, physical science, engineering drawings and mechanical technology.
Du Toit loves the idea that she is a torch bearer. “It feels good because I’m breaking stereotypes and it proves to me that I can do anything that I set my mind to. It is not always plain sailing as many times men feel intimidated and their egos get in the way. They also sometimes second guess our opinions,” says Du Toit.
But the attitude towards women in her field will not deter her from growing.
“I want to tell every young woman that you can do anything you want. You never know you can do it until you tried. I believe that everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”
Du Toit, who now works for Golden Arrow Bus Services, is studying towards her electrical engineering qualification.
