Thandi Mahlangu grew up in Acornhoek and always had a passion for cars, learning the trade from her uncle's small roadside workshop as a teenager.
After years of working for other garages, she took the leap in 2019 and opened Acornhoek Auto Care with a single service bay and a small loan from family.
Seven years on, the workshop has grown into one of the most trusted names in the area, known for honest pricing and quality work — and for training the next generation of local mechanics.
"This community supported me from day one," Thandi says. "Every job we do is a way of giving back to that."