12 May 2025 | Story: Tshepang Mothibedi | Photo: Peter Masela
2 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Faculty of Management Sciences hosted a practical learning session for Diploma in Marketing students on 23 April 2025.
Ms Bhekiwe Simelane, a VUT lecturer for Consumer Behaviour in Practice, had the honour of inviting two guest speakers from Hyundai Vereeniging. Their presentation offered valuable insights into sales and marketing, equipping students with practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of the marketing industry. This initiative reflects the department’s commitment to industry-based education and its focus on exposing students to real world business practices that prepare them for impactful careers in marketing.
Ms Charlotte Motlhagodi, a 33-year-old manager at Hyundai, was the first to speak. She shared her career journey, which began with a degree in human resources, a field she soon realised was not her true calling. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “I hated firing people when working at the mine. That is when I realised human resources was not for me.” Ms Motlhagodi described her transition into marketing, openly acknowledging the challenges she faced. She recounted a deeply personal moment when she was hospitalised due to the stress, anxiety, and demands of the job. Despite these difficulties, she emphasised her determination to persevere, driven by her passion for marketing.
Mr Musawenkhosi Ndaba, a sales agent at Hyundai who comes from Orange Farm in the Vaal, also addressed the students. He spoke about his journey into digital marketing, explaining how he used social media, especially TikTok, to grow his client base. Mr Ndaba described how consistently posting videos of himself after successful sales helped attract more customers and effectively showcase Hyundai’s products. He noted that TikTok has become his primary platform for engaging with potential clients.
In addition to discussing digital marketing strategies, Mr Ndaba provided insights into corporate life. He encouraged students to remain persistent, saying, “We all start somewhere. I used to get three likes daily, and I did not give up. It begins with consistency because a phone is becoming easier for marketing.” He further challenged the students by asking, “Is the customer king?” This sparked an engaging discussion about whether the customer is always right. Mr Ndaba concluded that customer satisfaction is central to business success, as it determines the effectiveness of marketing efforts.
The session ended with an energetic question and answer segment, giving students the opportunity to interact directly with the speakers. This engaging exchange allowed students to seek guidance, share their thoughts, and gain deeper insights into the speakers’ personal experiences and professional growth.
