By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Thato Mntambo, General Manager: Corporate Affairs at Mercedes-Benz South Africa, has built a dynamic career that bridges business and society. Early in her journey, she learned that business success is rooted in trust, reputation, and meaningful stakeholder engagement—principles she continues to champion. She opens up about her journey into the automotive industry, the power of purpose-driven strategy, and how Mercedes- Benz is driving real impact beyond the showroom floor.
You’ve built a remarkable 15-year career in Corporate Affairs across major industries. What inspired your journey into this field, and what keeps you motivated today?
My journey into Corporate Affairs was inspired by a desire to bridge the gap between business and society. When I was studying at the University of Witwatersrand, I didn’t quite know what I would be doing after qualifying. I studied International Relations and Media Studies, unsure of whether I wanted to pursue a career in diplomacy or journalism. Whilst in my final year, I applied for a life changing internship at an international corporate relations and advisory firm.
Early in my career, I realised that true business success is deeply intertwined with trust, reputation, and meaningful stakeholder relationships. Through my career in Corporate Affairs, I get to hone in on my academic and professional experience, develop and execute on strategy that aligns with business objectives, and anticipate and solve company challenges. A career in Corporate Affairs is fast-paced, dynamic, intellectually stimulating and allows me to have a significant strategic impact on Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s success.
What does a typical day look like in your role as General Manager: Corporate Affairs at Mercedes-Benz South Africa?
No day is the same! At Mercedes-Benz, I am responsible for protecting and enhancing the reputation of the company, and this is achieved through communications, stakeholder engagement, public policy and corporate social responsibility. It helps to start the day with a scan of media reports on the economy, politics and productive industries.
Understanding what is happening in the world around me provides the necessary basis from which I can advise and formulate and adapt strategies on with my team, meet with stakeholders and provide counsel to the C-suite.
You’ve led communication and CSR strategies for both manufacturing and sales operations. How do you ensure these align with the broader business goals of Mercedes-Benz?
Corporate Citizenship encompasses a range of activities from donations, Sponsorships, Partnerships to Employee Volunteering activities, which go beyond Mercedes-Benz’s core business. Given this, we can contribute to societal issues in a variety of ways across our manufacturing and sales operations.
Where the need for socio-economic development is more acute, Mercedes-Benz contributes by way of charitable donations, disaster relief and employee volunteerism. Our sales operations tend to be based in more urban areas, and we rely on strategic partnerships, sponsorships and employee volunteerism efforts to drive impact in society.
What have been some of the challenges you experienced when you got into the
automotive industry and how have you overcome these challenges? Can you share a moment where quick thinking and strategy helped turn a tough situation around?
I joined the automotive industry from the mining industry. The mining industry is fraught with historical and complex challenges, but it has also made for an excellent teaching ground on dealing with matters that many corporations in South Africa need to contend with. So, I am quite experienced in dealing with unions, critical stakeholders and managing crises.
In your view, what role does corporate social responsibility play in shaping the
future of the automotive industry in South Africa?
South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector is one of the most productive in the economy, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. The sector, therefore, has a significant social and environmental impact and responsibility. To this end, we focus our corporate social responsibility on sustainability, skills development, community development and supplier development.
Mercedes-Benz is known for innovation. What are some exciting developments or initiatives currently underway that aim to improve the lives of South Africans?
We have recently undergone a strategic review of our CSR portfolio to ensure that our social investments are strategically aligned to our business and ensure that we leverage company resources for societal good. We invest heavily in preemptive CSR projects in education and training in STEM subjects, given our reliance on these in our manufacturing operations.
Our solid track record of working with schools and NGOs dedicated to improving the educational outcomes of students from primary and secondary school levels is testament to our commitment and investment.
We are also conscious of the environment we are operating in and the need to be responsive to disasters. We have found and work alongside partners that can help us realise the kind of sustainable developmental changes we would like to see in the communities in which we operate in.
What’s your dream Mercedes-Benz model, and why does it resonate with you?
I am a mother to a football-loving toddler. The ultimate vehicle for a luxury living woman and mother would undoubtedly be the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600. It is the peak of sophistication, safety, and cutting-edge technology with features that cater to the needs and aspirations of a modern woman and junior football club!
Lastly, what advice would you give to young women aiming for leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries like automotive and mining?
Work hard on becoming an expert in your craft and focus on continuous learning, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and seeking opportunities to gain hands-on
experience.
Being highly competent and knowledgeable is the most powerful way to earn respect and establish credibility. If you can, get a career coach – it is an investment in your growth, clarity and confidence.
Lastly, surround yourself with allies – be it peers, mentors, and sponsors – who uplift and challenge you. You cannot do it on your own; leadership is not a solo journey.
