A Visionary Leader from Limpopo

Brenda Mokgadi Lamola, the founder of TWJ Tyres General Trading, is a proud black South African woman from Polokwane, Limpopo. With over 20 years of experience in the tyre industry, she has transformed her deep knowledge and passion into a thriving business that’s not only about tyres — but also about empowerment, education, and safety.

Brenda’s journey began thanks to her late mother, who arranged an apprenticeship that would spark a lifelong passion for the automotive world. Today, she stands as a trailblazer, defying stereotypes and proving that technical industries have space for strong, visionary women.

Growing Up: Determination and Resilience

“I grew up with determination and resilience,” Brenda recalls. “My mother’s dedication to my future inspired me to push through challenges and never stop learning.”

Her curiosity and drive for excellence shaped her into a leader who embraces both opportunities and difficulties with grace and strength.

What TWJ Tyres Offers

TWJ Tyres specializes in tyre sales, fitment, and related services, serving clients across Limpopo with professionalism and care. What sets TWJ Tyres apart is its mission-driven approach — combining technical expertise with empowerment. The company goes beyond business by educating customers, especially women, on tyre maintenance, vehicle safety, and road confidence — topics often overlooked in the automotive world.

“We empower women with knowledge so they can be confident and safe drivers. It’s about changing lives, not just changing tyres.”

Solving Real-World Problems

Brenda identified a major gap in the industry — a lack of safety awareness and tyre knowledge among everyday drivers, particularly women. “Many women don’t know how to check their spare tyre or handle an emergency on the road,” she explains. TWJ Tyres bridges this gap by offering personalized education and customer support that promotes both safety and independence.

Challenges and Triumphs

Starting a business as a Black woman in a male-dominated industry wasn’t easy. Brenda faced skepticism and doubt, but she turned every challenge into proof of her capability. “People questioned my technical skills, but I let my work speak for itself,” she says proudly. Her expertise and integrity have since earned her respect across the industry.

Continuous Learning and Customer Focus

TWJ Tyres stays ahead by listening closely to customers and continuously training its team to match new vehicle technologies and market needs. Brenda believes that understanding customers’ changing expectations is the key to long-term success.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Brenda plans to expand TWJ Tyres’ footprint across South Africa and launch a structured empowerment program for women entering the motor and tyre sector. Her goal is to become a leading advocate for female representation and safety awareness in the automotive industry.

Motivation and Purpose

“The thought that I’m empowering women to reclaim their confidence on the road is what drives me every morning,” she says. Every tyre fitted, every customer served, and every conversation started is a step toward a safer, more inclusive automotive environment.

Book Recommendation

Brenda recommends “How Did We Get Here” by Mpoomy Ledwaba — a book that deeply resonates with her journey of faith, growth, and transformation.

Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“Be bold,” she advises. “Commit to continuous learning and never fear entering spaces where people don’t expect you. Build your business around your passion — that’s what makes it sustainable.”

She also emphasizes that even mistakes can become blessings. Early in her career, Brenda underestimated the value of her administrative background, but later realized it gave her a strong foundation in operations, stock control, and customer service — all crucial for managing a successful business.

Integrity and Leadership

When faced with tough decisions, Brenda stands firm in her core values of honesty, safety, and empowerment. “If compromise threatens those values, I always find another way. Integrity is non-negotiable.”

A Defining Pivot

Initially, TWJ Tyres was meant to be her post-retirement plan, but her passion for empowering women and addressing urgent safety issues inspired her to start earlier. By trusting her instincts and leveraging her experience, she built a thriving, mission-driven enterprise.

Contact TWJ Tyres

• 📍 103 River Street, Ladine, Polokwane, 0699
• 📞 067 025 3879
• 📸 Instagram: @twj.tyres