Rita Swart & Virginia Pontshi – Expando motors
“When women support and empower each other, incredible things happen”
Rita Swart is the Retailer at Expando motors in Sasolburg and her site manager is Virginia Pontshi.
Their story is inspiring and encouraging showing that the only boundaries we have are the ones we set for ourselves.
Virginia started as a part-time domestic worker for Rita at her holiday home but proved through her work ethics that she is destined for so much more. Rita saw her potential and took her under her wing, Rita brought Virginia into the petroleum industry, starting her in a cashier position. Virginia had a thirst for knowledge and Rita showed her the ins and outs of the industry. Virginia proved that hard work and perseverance never fail and in 2018 she was promoted to site manager. Their relationship is based on a mutual respect for each other and they are like family to each other. Virginia’s advice to all the women in the petroleum industry is the following: “It is not easy working in a mainly male dominant industry, do not let that stop you from working hard, staying focused and believing in yourself and your team. Know what you want and do not falter, there is no limit to what you are capable of achieving by believing in yourself. Try not to make assumptions, be patient and persistent and know that the right things will come to you at the right time”
“Respect, honesty, loyalty, dignity and discipline – those are the keys to success”
– Virginia Pontshi
