5 minute read
Neo Mpipi – Taking the SA Transport Industry to New Heights
We do not often realise this, but transport plays such an important role in our everyday life - going to work, meeting up with friends, getting groceries, almost everything we do every day requires us to get inside a form of transportation.
“The transport industry has for so long been a male dominated industry, that it is exciting to see women breaking existing barriers for entry into the sector and seeing strong, courageous, innovative women occupying this space,” says Neo Mpipi, Director of the Mpipi Group. Neo appreciates that both Women’s Month and Transport Month are government initiatives that celebrate women in the transport sector, and that the growth trajectory of The Mpipi Group bares testament to the fact that women owned and run businesses have a rightful place in the transport industry. Behind every successful organisation are stories of challenges overcome, and the Mpipi Group is no different. Breaking into the male dominated transport industry meant fighting for a spot at the table, but Neo Mpipi’s willpower to succeed and her courage to press on is the reason why the Mpipi Group is standing today, with seven years of continued growth. The CEO’s resilience saw it weather some of SA’s worst storms, including the Covid 19 pandemic.
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Another challenge is the high fuel price that makes the industry an expensive one to strive into, nonetheless, no challenge is enough to deter a woman determined to make a difference. Making a mark is not a personal goal for Neo, it is a dream she holds for all other women and believes that her journey can pave the way and remove some thorns along the way for other women coming behind to never know what it is like to fight for a place at the table - but find that there is room for anyone willing to put in the work.
The Mpipi Group (Pty) Ltd is known to many as one of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s (CCBSA’s) most experienced distribution and warehousing companies, however, very few actually know about the socioeconomic contributions of the company that creates employment for many and positively impacts the communities.
The company has recently taken on a new challenge running a Shell Ultra City petrol station located in Klerksdorp. Walking into any Mpipi owned facility or project, one is met with warm smiles and friendly service, not surprising because the company is owned by a woman who embodies kindness. The remarkable work ethics of Ms Mpipi can be seen in the joy of the employees and their overall eagerness to serve. Neo Mpipi believes that genuine success comes from the growth of both the employer and the employee and encourages her staff to pursue additional training not just to better themselves, but also to provide value to the Mpipi Group and the communities they serve in.
Neo began her career at SAB as a route planner and later progressed to become a business analyst. The driving force behind the Mpipi Group is a Klerksdorp born and bred industrious woman who is supersmart and holds a degree in logistics. Her love for transport and passion for people has seen her grow from strength to strength in a field she loves and enjoys.
The heart and vision of the Mpipi Group is to make an impact throughout the borders of South Africa and beyond
The Mpipi Group partners with Arrive Alive
Understanding that “With great power comes great responsibility,” the Mpipi Group has a heart for educating people about road safety. Neo said that the
partnership with Arrive Alive and the various campaigns that the Mpipi Group is heading during October, Transport Month, will help bring more awareness around road safety to the people of Klerksdorp.
Looking forward….
The Mpipi Group could not ask for a better leader as it celebrates seven years since its establishment, it is also celebrating branching into different fields and being more dynamic. Currently the Mpipi Group has 140 valued employees and there will definately be room for more to join this ever-expanding initiative in the near future.
The name Neo Mpipi and the Mpipi Group is one that is not to be forgotten, it is here to stay and here to make waves. The Mpipi Group’s achievements in youth development, education, and women empowerment are just the tip of the iceberg. This is a beautiful dream that Neo wakes up every morning to work towards and will not rest until it is a reality.
CONTACT DETAILS
Mpipi Petroleum CONTACT DETAILS Telephone Number: 018 469 4340 Email address: UCKlerksdorp@mpipigroup.co.za Website: https://www. mpipigrouppetroleum.co.za/ Physical Address: 1 Main Reef Road, Freemanville Distribution Telephone Number: 018 469 6019 Email address: Admin@mpipigroup.co.za Physical Address: 1 Greyhound Street, Freemanville