August is a time when South Africans celebrate the remarkable achievements, resilience and leadership of women. It is a month dedicated to reflecting on the progress that has been made, while recognising the work that still lies ahead in creating equal opportunities across every sector of society. Among the women helping to shape South Africa’s future is Ndia Magadagela, CEO and Co-Founder of Everlectric, South Africa’s first commercial electric vehicle (EV) leasing company. Through innovation, determination and visionary leadership, she is not only transforming the transport industry but also inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in sectors where they have traditionally been underrepresented.
Speaking to Safe Travel Magazine, Magadagela explained that the idea behind Everlectric was driven by two significant challenges facing the transport industry. The first was the growing need for businesses to reduce their carbon emissions as environmental sustainability becomes increasingly important. The second was the rising cost of operating commercial vehicle fleets. Everlectric’s solution was to remove the cost, complexity and technology risk associated with transitioning to electric mobility. Rather than requiring businesses to invest upfront in unfamiliar technology and manage multiple service providers, Everlectric provides electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, maintenance, technology support and fleet management through one integrated leasing solution. This allows customers to focus on their core operations while Everlectric takes responsibility for making the transition to electric mobility simple, reliable and commercially viable.
“We wanted to take the headache out of the transition to electric,” she said, explaining that businesses should not have to worry about the technology, maintenance, or the high upfront investment often associated with electric vehicles.
Although convincing businesses to embrace electric mobility was initially challenging, perceptions have gradually changed. Many companies questioned whether electric vehicles could carry the same loads, travel the same distances, or perform reliably in demanding commercial environments. Everlectric addressed these concerns by providing a fully supported ecosystem that gives customers confidence in both the technology and the financial benefits of making the switch.
Today, logistics companies, retailers, pharmaceutical businesses and telecommunications providers are among the industry’s leading the transition. For businesses travelling more than 3,000 kilometres each month, electric vehicles are already proving to be a more cost-effective solution than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, while simultaneously helping organisations meet their sustainability commitments.
Magadagela believes the growth of electric mobility represents far more than an environmental milestone. She sees it as a significant economic opportunity for South Africa.
The country’s automotive manufacturing industry has long been one of its major economic contributors, but with many international markets planning to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles over the coming decade, she believes South Africa must act decisively to remain competitive. By investing in electric vehicle manufacturing, battery production and specialised skills development, the country can protect existing jobs while creating entirely new industries and employment opportunities.
While her work is helping reshape the future of transport, Magadagela is also breaking barriers in a sector that has historically been dominated by men. She believes women should never feel pressured to change who they are to succeed.
Instead, she encourages women to lead with authenticity, credibility and competence.
“It’s not about fitting into the room,” she explained. “It’s about bringing your own perspective and adding value.”
She believes organisations benefit when women occupy technical, executive and investment decision-making roles, bringing different viewpoints that strengthen businesses and improve outcomes.
According to Magadagela, one of the greatest strengths women bring to leadership is their ability to think holistically. Women often consider how operational decisions affect people, financial performance and long-term sustainability simultaneously. This systems-thinking approach is particularly valuable in industries undergoing rapid technological change, where collaboration and innovation are essential.
Her advice to young women interested in transport, engineering, logistics or clean energy is both practical and empowering.
Too often, she says, women hesitate to pursue opportunities because they feel they need every qualification or every answer before taking the next step. She encourages young women to embrace curiosity, continue learning and have the confidence to put themselves forward, even when they feel uncertain.
Everlectric itself is proof of that philosophy. The company was established at a time when many believed electric vehicles would never succeed in South Africa. Today, it is demonstrating that bold thinking, resilience and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom can transform an entire industry.
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month this August, Ndia Magadagela’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that women are not only participating in industries such as transport, engineering and clean energy, they are leading them. Her story reflects what is possible when expertise, innovation and purpose come together to create meaningful change.
While Women’s Month provides an important opportunity to recognise the achievements of women, their contributions should never be celebrated only in August. Across South Africa, women are driving innovation, building businesses, creating jobs, influencing policy and inspiring future generations every single day. Their achievements deserve to be recognised throughout the year, because the impact they make on society extends far beyond a single month of celebration.
