​​In celebration of Women's Month, Stellenbosch University is shining a spotlight on the exceptional women of our institution. As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of female academics with this series of profiles, we also illuminate the transformative power of mentorship. Through their own experiences with mentors, these distinguished staff have not only excelled in their fields but also embraced the vital role of mentoring, guiding and inspiring younger colleagues and students towards success, fostering a more inclusive and empowered academic community. 

'Keep going', reads the tattoo on entrepreneur Maambele Khosa's wrist – a tangible reminder to keep moving forward regardless of life's challenges. It's a simple motto that has served this humble businesswoman well – taking her from the rural village of Tiyani Magoro in Limpopo to Stellenbosch, where she is the founder and director of SheCab, a women's transportation company.

For two years now, SheCab has been fulfilling a crucial need in the community, providing safe transport while creating employment opportunities for women. What sets this service apart is that it is exclusively for women, with all drivers being women as well.

Khosa's journey started at Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2015, where she pursued a BSc in Geoinformatics and Information Systems management, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing. She is currently completing her MPhil in Science and Technology Studies at the same institution, where she also spearheads the Marketing and Communications portfolio for SU's Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation.

SheCab was born out of necessity in 2021, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. After reports of women being attacked on public transport and other transportation, Khosa stepped in to provide safe rides to women in need. Word quickly spread about her service and demand grew rapidly.

To keep pace with demand, Khosa expanded her fleet by bringing more women drivers on board. There are now twelve part-time drivers who work flexible hours to shuttle women to and from Stellenbosch. While the business started as a social service, it has now blossomed into a thriving venture, empowering women and offering them a safe transportation alternative. Women can now order transport with ease, feeling safe in the knowledge that they will be driven by a professional woman driver who is part of the SheCab team.

Khosa says that while social media has made it possible to learn from many mentors, albeit virtually, it was her mother who taught her the basics of business. She instilled in Khosa a strong work ethic. “I came from a family where we had to hustle to make a living. My mother showed me that if you work for what you want, you will get it." Khosa's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to take risks and remain consistent. "Embrace every opportunity as a chance to give your all and deliver unparalleled value."

Juggling multiple roles as a student, marketing professional, company director and part-time driver, Khosa should be an expert on time management. But she laughingly admits that she is no guru when it comes to work balance. “There are days and even weeks when something gets left behind."  

 However, her motivational tattoo serves as a daily reminder to persevere and take small steps forward each day. As SheCab continues to grow and make a positive impact, Khosa exemplifies how dedication and a desire to support one another can lead to incredible achievements.

But as explanation of how to cope when life gets busy and the demands of being a woman becomes overwhelming, she refers to her inspirational tattoo, saying: “For me, it's a daily reminder that in everything that I do, I must just keep going. I must do the small thing that I can do today."