Dimakatso Tshele is a true embodiment of Babcock’s principle of ‘being courageous and driven’. Her journey with Babcock began in 2017 as a temp receptionist in Babcock’s Transport Solutions business, and over the last few years she has progressed through the ranks of permanent receptionist, sales administrator, to her most recent appointment of sales representative. Dimakatso is the first black female sales representative to be appointed at Transport Solutions, highlighting Babcock’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Whilst fulfilling her role as sales administrator, Dimakatso stepped up to fill a gap prior to a used sales manager joining. Together with sales director Mark Gavin, Dimakatso proved to be a competent salesperson and was offered the opportunity to take up the role of sales representative as of 31 July 2024. She will be responsible for internal sales for the full DAF range of trucks, including sales from online platforms, walk-ins and the customers with whom she has been liaising as a sales administrator.

To prepare for the role, Dimakatso spent four months in the workshop learning as much as she could about DAF trucks under the guidance of Mark, and other long-standing Babcock employees who gave freely of their time to share their knowledge.

Instead of being daunted by working as a young woman in a male-oriented environment, she has seen this as an opportunity to learn as much as she could from the more experienced employees at Babcock. 

“I am grateful to all the staff, from parts packers to senior managers, who took on the role of teachers, and their willingness to help me,” says Dimakatso. “I have learned that there’s so much more that I can do; more than I thought I was capable of. It’s been a rewarding experience to get out of my comfort zone and start realising my potential. Although I’m quite reserved by nature, I have discovered that I am able to be ‘out there’ to get the job done. I have really enjoyed getting to know the customers. And of course, I’m looking forward to boosting my income!” she says enthusiastically.

“Babcock is very proud of Dimakatso,” says Mariette Joubert, Sales Manager - New Trucks. “She is ambitious and works hard towards her goals. For example, she obtained her Code 10 driver’s licence in a very short period and will be doing a Code 14 licence so that she can drive extra heavy vehicles. Furthermore, she has built up strong relationships with our clients, some of whom prefer to deal solely with her.”

Dimakatso says that Babcock has been extremely supportive of her growth. “There are opportunities at Babcock for women to enter this field and change the status quo. It’s the time for women to grow – it’s happening all over the world, even in truck sales.”

Her advice to women who are thinking of entering this industry is to have the courage to ask questions. “Don’t be afraid to tackle things head on, as it’s the only way to learn. Often, people just do what they’re told to do, but don’t understand what they’re doing. Constantly ask questions and try to understand by any means necessary. Set goals, and go for it!” she adds.

Besides being a sales representative on the rise, Dimakatso is a wife and mother to a young son, and enjoys creative hobbies such as painting and crocheting.