This Women’s Month, we celebrate Chané Nel, Sarisha Deonarain, and Jolene Van Niekerk — leaders who have risen through the ranks, inspired their teams, and reshaped perceptions of what it means to work in the tyre industry. In an industry long considered a man’s world, three remarkable women at Super Tyres are proving that skill, determination, and heart have no gender.
Chané Nel – From Tyre Newbie to Branch Manager & Area Mentor
A Durban local, Chané joined Super Tyres in 2019 at the South Coast Road branch with no experience in tyres.
“I was completely overwhelmed in the beginning — I couldn’t even read a tyre size!” she recalls.
Instead of letting that stop her, Chané threw herself into learning, using reading materials and YouTube tutorials until she could confidently advise customers on tyres and suspension. Her growth was swift and impressive — moving from a managerial role at Umgeni Road to becoming the Branch Manager at Pinetown and an Area Mentor overseeing two additional branches.
For Chané, the heart of her role is building people up. “The best part of my job is making others feel important and helping people grow, both personally and professionally. I love cultivating a strong culture in my team.”
She’s faced moments where customers second-guessed her advice in favour of male colleagues — sometimes those she had personally trained — but she remains unfazed. “Whatever men can do; women can do better,” she says with a smile. Her Women’s Month advice? “Be your authentic self — always. You are enough.”
Sarisha Deonarain — Leading with Confidence and Breaking Barriers
From the Bluff in Durban, Sarisha’s journey with Super Tyres began in a sales role, followed by two Joint Venture branches where results didn’t meet her own expectations. Instead of giving up, she asked for a new challenge — and found her stride at the Gateway branch.
Her hard work paid off in 2024 when she became the first woman in Super Tyres history to win Salesperson of the Year. “It was exhilarating,” she says. “It proved what I’m capable of.”
Soon after, she was promoted to Branch Manager at Umgeni Road, where she leads with empathy, flexibility, and confidence. “I wear many hats: counsellor, salesperson, and friend. I enjoy talking to people, sharing knowledge, and helping customers understand more about their cars.”
Sarisha acknowledges the unique challenges women can face in the tyre industry. “Confidence is key,” she says. “Your mind is your gateway to success — you are what you think.”
Jolene Van Niekerk — Grit Knows No Gender
Joining the Super Tyres team in October 2024, Jolene’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. A proud mother of four living in Empangeni, she started as a salesperson and, within months, became Acting Manager — before officially being appointed Branch Manager of Richards Bay in February 2025.
“I don’t think of this as a ‘male industry’ — I do what I love, and I do it well,” Jolene says. While some male customers initially underestimated her, she let her expertise and results do the talking.
Her passion lies in creating excellent customer experiences and keeping her team motivated. “You are fantastic, you are brave, you are the best — and you deserve the world and nothing less,” is her empowering message for Women’s Month.
Women’s Month: A Culture of Growth, Diversity, and Excellence
Super Tyres’ Managing Director, Dean Horn, couldn’t be prouder of the contributions of these women.
- On Chané: “Her dedication to developing people, her attention to detail, and her drive to keep learning and leading are what make her such an asset.”
- On Sarisha: “Her hunger for growth and her commitment to excellence inspire everyone around her.”
- On Jolene: “Her determination, warmth, and leadership ability embody exactly why we welcome and support strong women in our business.”
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring the Next Generation
Chané, Sarisha, and Jolene have all faced — and overcome — the subtle and overt challenges that come with working in a male-dominated space. Whether it’s self-doubt, customer bias, or simply learning the ropes from scratch, each has proven that success isn’t about fitting a mould — it’s about showing up, learning, and leading authentically.
Their stories are more than individual career journeys; they are examples of how the tyre industry — and industries like it — can thrive when they embrace diversity, nurture talent, and create pathways for women to succeed.
This Women’s Month, Super Tyres celebrates not just these three exceptional leaders, but all women who bring skill, resilience, and heart to their work every day.
Because when women lead — whether it’s in tyres, sales, or any other field — they lead with more than expertise. They lead with impact.