As the world celebrates International Women's Month, the South Africa Endurance Series (SAES) is tearing up the track when it comes to gender transformation, powerfully highlighting the surge of female leadership in South Africa’s high-octane motorsport industry. This endurance racing championship isn't just talking about change, it's living it.
An incredible three women now command key roles in its executive leadership team, signalling a p necessary shift in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
Leading this revolution are Acting CEO Liyema Letlaka, General Manager Cindy Van Der Laan, and Marketing Director Mihlali Mehlomakhulu.
These three powerhouses are not just occupying seats; they are playing pivotal roles in redefining the very look and feel of leadership in motorsport. At the forefront, Letlaka is charting the strategic direction of the series, masterfully managing stakeholders and steering the organisation toward long-term growth. Her executive role is a significant milestone, representing a crucial and compelling shift in an industry where women have historically been relegated to the sidelines.
“Women belong in every space where decisions are made, including motorsport,” she says. “Our role at SAES is not symbolic. We are here to build, to lead, and to win.”
Behind the scenes, General Manager Cindy Van Der Laan ensures that the complex machinery of race-day operations runs smoothly. From logistics and partnerships to coordinating teams and events, her work keeps the championship moving at full speed.
Van Der Laan believes the growing presence of women across motorsport is helping to reshape the sport for the better.
“Women are taking on more roles in motorsport, both on and off the track, bringing valuable qualities like precision and resilience,” she says.
“Their presence is making the sport more inclusive and encouraging young girls to get involved.”
She adds that the future of the industry will be shaped by diversity of thought, experience, and talent. “The more opportunities women have to participate and lead within the industry, the stronger and more dynamic the sport will become.”
“To young women interested in motorsport: there is a place for you. The industry needs passionate, skilled people in roles like event management, engineering, media, and operations. Don’t be put off by its history as a male-dominated field.”
Driving the brand and its message is Marketing Director Mihlali Mehlomakhulu, who is focused on positioning SAES as more than a racing spectacle.
“The goal is to create a space that educates, inspires, and exposes people, especially young talent, to the diverse career opportunities within the automotive and motorsport industry,” she says.
According to Mehlomakhulu, motorsport offers a wide ecosystem of careers that extends far beyond the driver’s seat.
“This platform is not only about motorsport. It is about opening the door to an entire ecosystem of careers that exist within the automotive industry, from engineering and mechanics to sports medicine, nutrition, data analysis, and innovation,” she explains.
By placing women at the forefront of its leadership structure, SAES hopes to inspire the next generation to see themselves in roles that were once out of reach.
“By placing women at the forefront of this initiative, we are not just participating in the industry, we are reshaping the narrative,” Mehlomakhulu says. “We are showing the next generation that they, too, belong in spaces that were once closed.”
As South Africa reflects on the significance of International Women’s Month, SAES’s leadership team offers a glimpse of how transformation in motorsport is accelerating, not only on the track, but in the boardroom as well.
The racing series is owned by businessman and driver Xolile Letlaka, whose vision goes beyond the thrill of the track. His ambition is to build a competitive racing championship that reflects the diversity, talent, and ambition of South Africa.
Saturday Star
