Nadeera Ramharakh

Nadeera Ramharakh is the founder and director of Pinetown Diff and Gearbox, which remanufactures and repairs gearboxes and differentials of most makes and models of cars and bakkies.

Nadeera grew up in Phoenix, a town where her passion for cars and mechanics was born. As the eldest of five siblings, she embraced a hands-on approach to life, something that would define her career. Recalling her early years, Nadeera shared, “On Sundays, my dad would tinker with the cars after breakfast. There was nothing to fix, but he’d still be there, adjusting something. I’d be the spanner girl passing him tools, asking questions. That’s when I realised how much I enjoyed cars.”

Despite her love for cars, Nadeera initially pursued a more traditional career path, studying law for two years. “Mum wanted me to be a professional, but I quickly realised it wasn’t me. I wasn’t the type to sit behind books.” Life’s journey led her to corporate work at Mercedes-Benz, where her passion for trucks and cars truly flourished. “That’s where I found my calling,” she explained. The desire to work with her hands, to fix things, was always there — whether it was plumbing at home or repairing cars — and this passion fuelled her dream to own a workshop one day.

Building a Dream Business
Nadeera’s path to founding her company wasn’t a straightforward one. After years of working in a toxic work environment, she decided to take a bold step. “I was backed into a corner at work, and one day, I just woke up and said, ‘I’m doing it’.” Without much planning, Nadeera started Pinetown Diff and Gearbox 14 months ago, turning her vision into reality. “It was literally an overnight decision. I took my savings, bought the necessary equipment, and started in a shared garage.”

Pinetown Diff and Gearbox has grown into a five-star graded workshop, RMI approved and proudly woman- run. Nadeera beams with pride as she reflects on the journey: “We now have seven staff members, four of whom are qualified mechanics. It’s been a whirlwind, but we’re thriving.” Despite the challenges, Nadeera’s drive and determination have been unwavering. “I cried every day at my old job, but now I wake up excited to work on my own terms.”

Her leadership style is one of empowerment and flexibility. “I handpicked my staff, and I believe in staff loyalty and uplifting people. If their task for the day is done, I encourage them to go home and spend time with family. It’s important to create a happy work environment where people want to come to work, not dread it.”

Overcoming Challenges
While the growth of her business has been rapid, Nadeera is no stranger to the challenges that come with entrepreneurship. “Every day brings something new — whether it’s clients not having the funds for repairs or dealing with complex gearbox issues. It’s never easy, but that’s part of the process.”

Another hurdle has been competition. “Competitors often try to undermine us by questioning our credentials or spreading doubt among clients,” Nadeera admits. “But I’ve learned to handle these situations with integrity. We do damage control, explain our values, and assure clients of our quality.”

Nadeera’s ultimate goal is to see Pinetown Diff and Gearbox expand further, potentially into a franchise. “We’d like to be affiliated with a brand like Bosch or E-Car. It’s a long road, but I believe we’ll get there,” she says confidently. In addition, she dreams of one day opening a multi-brand dealership, where her team can service all types of vehicles. “It might seem far-fetched, but I’m sure it’s something we can achieve in the future. We are striving to be the number one woman run workshop in KwaZulu-Natal.”

Balancing Work and Family
Nadeera’s children, Ashay and Sanjana, have been her biggest motivation throughout her career. “As a single mum, I always wanted to give them everything I couldn’t have. It wasn’t always possible, but today, when I look at where we are, I tell them, ‘We’ve made it.’ My drive was always to make sure they had a bright future.”

The journey hasn’t been without its hardships. Nadeera faced the loss of her mother just four months after starting her business. “That was one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced. But I knew I had to keep going, not just for myself but for my kids.”

Looking back on her journey, Nadeera is proud of what she has achieved. “I’ve had to start my life over three times, and each time, it wasn’t easy. Everything I’ve accomplished, I’ve done with the support of my family and sheer determination.”

Nadeera’s story is one of resilience, especially for women looking to break into male-dominated industries. “To young women following in my footsteps, I’d say don’t be afraid to start over. I’ve sold chips and cooldrinks from my office desk just to make ends meet, and today, I own a business.” She encourages women to embrace every opportunity, no matter how daunting it may seem. She says, “Take the leap, because you can achieve anything if you believe in yourself.”

Nadeera’s passion for cars extends beyond the workshop. She loves fast cars, car modifications, and attending car shows. “It’s not just about the mechanics; it’s about understanding the full potential of a vehicle and the engineering behind it,” she explains. Though her workshop currently focuses on modifications like installing diff locks, she hopes to explore engine modifications in the future.

Beyond her work, Nadeera has found ways to balance her personal and professional life. One of her favourite weekend activities is selling vegetables at the local flea market. “For me, it’s therapy. I’m out there with my kids, in the fresh air, surrounded by nature. It’s humbling, and it’s our family time together,” she shares.

With her eyes set on new opportunities, Nadeera is determined to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. “I’m proud of what we’ve built, but we’re just getting started. The future holds so much more.”