ABOUT THOBELA-CARS

Thobela Bonga, the founder and CEO of Thobela Cars, has a remarkable journey that embodies the spirit of perseverance, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Born in Cape Town's Khayelitsha, Thobela grew up in humble surroundings with his parents, who worked as domestic workers, and his three siblings. It was in this backdrop of modest beginnings that Thobela's indomitable spirit and drive for success were forged.

 

Thobela's entrepreneurial journey began during his high school years at Oudemolen Technical High School. Inspired by his younger brother, who was making money selling fat cakes with their aunt at a nearby bus stop, Thobela joined them on weekends to assist in the venture. Despite being in grade 9 at the time, he eagerly embraced the opportunity and continued selling fat cakes until grade 11, learning the value of hard work and the satisfaction of earning a living.

 

After graduating from high school, Thobela faced the challenge of not being able to afford university education. Undeterred, he immediately sought employment and found a job at a furniture store, Morkels. Although initially hired for sales without much knowledge in the field, Thobela saw it as a challenge and embraced it wholeheartedly. As he started generating results and making money, he took a part-time course at the AAA School of Advertising to enhance his skills.

 

Real estate was Thobela's true passion, driven by his love for luxury and property. After spending a few years at the furniture store, he seized an opportunity to work for a property agency under the renowned Rabie Group in Century City. However, the global financial crisis of 2008 led to a downturn in the property market, leaving Thobela unemployed for a few months while he actively sought his next opportunity.

It was during this period of uncertainty that fate intervened. While exploring potential career prospects, Thobela walked into Ferrari Cape Town and had the good fortune of meeting the National Salesperson at the time, Garth Crossley. Impressed by Thobela's demeanor and character, Crossley invited him for an interview with the Director of Ferrari, Mervin Eagles. From Thobela's perspective, it wasn't a typical interview; instead, it was a meet-and-greet session for the director to get to know him. Astonishingly, Thobela's remarkable personality left such a lasting impression that he was offered the job on the very same day.

 

In June 2009, at the age of 26, Thobela joined Ferrari Cape Town as a sales executive. Despite lacking expertise in sports cars and supercars, he relied on his innate ability to sell. Under the mentorship of the Viglietti brothers from Viglietti Motors, who serviced a majority of the Ferraris and Maseratis, Thobela acquired invaluable knowledge about classic cars. Additionally, Garth Crossley played a significant role in mentoring and educating Thobela about the entire automotive industry. The first two years were dedicated to mastering product knowledge, and it was only in his third year that Thobela began selling with confidence.

 

In search of a fresh start and new experiences, Thobela moved to Ferrari Johannesburg in Bryanston, leaving Cape Town behind. His decision was influenced by the fact that most of his clients buying vehicles from him were from Johannesburg. Stepping out of his comfort zone, Thobela embraced the fast-paced lifestyle of Johannesburg and excelled in his role for another three years.

After seven fulfilling years at Ferrari, Thobela yearned for a different path. He joined Lamborghini & Bentley in Cape Town for two years before ultimately deciding to depart from the corporate market and embark on a new venture. The opportunity arose when

 

After two years at Lamborghini & Bentley, Thobela sought a change from the corporate environment. He was offered a position at a private luxury car dealership called Fouche, where everything was different from his previous experiences. The fast-paced environment focused on closing deals, delivering exceptional service, and maximizing profits. Drawing from his learnings at Ferrari, Thobela prioritized customer satisfaction above all else, creating a winning formula. This period at Fouche was truly the highlight of his professional life. Thobela's passion for luxury cars was further fueled by the diverse clientele he encountered in the richest square mile in Africa. Working with multiple luxury brands allowed him to broaden his understanding of the automotive industry.

 

After dedicating six years to Fouche, Thobela made the decision to venture out on his own. With a wealth of experience, a burning love for cars, and an insatiable desire to build his own legacy, he founded Thobela Cars. Thobela's vision for Thobela Cars extends far beyond personal success. In the next five years, he aspires for Thobela Cars to become one of the top three luxury car dealerships in South Africa. Moreover, he envisions opening additional luxury branches, not only in Cape Town but across the country, creating opportunities for aspiring young professionals. Thobela firmly believes in the untapped potential that exists and desires to make a difference wherever possible.

 

Thobela Cars is the culmination of Thobela Bonga's journey, encompassing his humble beginnings, his triumphs and challenges in the luxury automotive industry, and his unwavering commitment to excellence. It is a testament to his unwavering passion and his determination to provide unparalleled service to every client who walks through the doors of Thobela Cars. With Thobela at the helm, you can trust that your experience with Thobela Cars will be characterized by integrity, expertise, and a deep understanding of the luxury automobile market.

​

Dream Garage: 

Ferrari 430 scuderia F1, Mercedes Benz 500 SEC AMG, Porsche GT2RS, Ferrari 355 Manuel, Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider