South Africa has once again been left in collective shock following a story that is as heartbreaking as it is disturbing. In August 2024, a mother from Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, str@ngled her own seven-year-old son on her birthday, confessing that she did so because the child reminded her of his father. The case, widely reported by the National Prosecuting Authority and local media outlets, has sparked heated conversations about trauma, mental health, and the dire consequences of unresolved emotional pain.
But even as communities mourn and wrestle with the social realities behind such tragedies, another side of South Africa’s story is unfolding—one tied to resilience, livelihoods, and the pursuit of economic stability. Across the country, vacancies for mechanics are growing, offering hope and practical pathways for job seekers.
This article looks at both: first, the intimate and devastating tragedy in Oudtshoorn, and second, the encouraging wave of employment opportunities in the automotive and mechanical trades.
A Mother’s Crime: When Trauma Turns to Violence
On 11 August 2024, the quiet community of Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo became the site of a horrifying crime. Thirty-nine-year-old Drezene Jonkerman strangled her son, Ashwin, while giving him a bath.
According to her statement, she believed the child resembled his father—her former partner, with whom she had endured what was described in court as a painful, turbulent relationship. In her own words, she admitted to the act, acknowledging that she had intended to kill the boy and understood there could be no justification for what she had done.
After committing the act, Jonkerman astonishingly continued her day. She left the boy’s lifeless body at home, attended church, and returned to “find” him dead. It was later revealed that she had harbored resentment toward her son for some time, feeling overwhelmed by how much he reminded her of his father.
In court, the prosecution described the crime as “calculated, intentional, and cruel.” For many South Africans, it was not only shocking but also profoundly unsettling, raising uncomfortable questions about how deeply unresolved trauma and mental health challenges can push people into darkness.
The Broader Questions of Trauma and Mental Health
This case cannot be seen in isolation. Across South Africa, issues of domestic violence, abuse, and untreated psychological trauma ripple through families and communities. The Jonkerman case highlights the tragic endpoint of untreated pain: when grief, anger, or resentment festers unchecked, the results can be devastating.
Mental health professionals stress that early intervention, accessible counseling, and community support systems are crucial. Yet South Africa’s mental health infrastructure is overstretched. According to the South African Society of Psychiatrists, there are fewer than one psychiatrist per 100,000 citizens in the public healthcare system—a staggering gap compared to global averages.
This imbalance leaves thousands, perhaps millions, without meaningful access to therapy or support. And in environments where poverty, unemployment, and inter-generational trauma intersect, the cracks often widen into crises.
The Role of Society in Preventing Such Tragedies
Ashwin’s death is not just a personal or family tragedy. It is also a societal wake-up call. When individuals are left isolated with trauma, children and other vulnerable dependents often bear the brunt of unresolved pain.
Communities, schools, churches, and government agencies need to do more than react after the fact. Preventive care, awareness programs, and safe spaces for struggling parents are essential. In particular, social workers and community leaders can play a pivotal role in identifying at-risk families and ensuring interventions before tragedies occur.
As South Africa reflects on this harrowing case, another pressing issue comes into focus: economic opportunity. For many, work is not only a means of survival but also a pathway toward dignity, structure, and hope.
Shifting Focus: The Rise of Mechanic Vacancies in South Africa
Amid grief and turmoil, South Africa’s economy is still moving. One notable trend is the increasing demand for skilled mechanics across industries.
Reviewing current job boards, including Indeed, Glassdoor, PNet, and CareerJunction, reveals hundreds of openings nationwide. From apprenticeships to senior diesel mechanic roles, the opportunities span nearly every province. This suggests a sector with robust growth and urgent needs.
Types of Mechanic Jobs in Demand
Diesel Mechanics
Heavy-duty vehicles, trucks, and buses require specialized maintenance. Openings in Mpumalanga, Witbank, and Johannesburg highlight strong demand. Salaries for qualified diesel mechanics range from R 30,000 to R 35,000 per month, reflecting the specialized expertise needed.
Automotive Technicians
Roles servicing passenger vehicles—ranging from hatchbacks to luxury sedans—are in steady demand. Positions in Gauteng and Western Cape often require trade test certification, several years’ experience, and a valid driver’s license.
Apprenticeships and Learnerships
For young jobseekers, companies such as Motus Corporation in Bryanston are offering entry-level apprenticeships. These provide structured training, combining theoretical learning with hands-on experience, opening doors for those without prior qualifications.
Specialized Roles
Beyond cars and trucks, opportunities exist for earthmoving machinery mechanics in mining regions and even sewing machine mechanics in the fashion industry. This diversification shows that “mechanic” skills extend beyond the automotive trade.
Regional Distribution of Jobs
Gauteng: Johannesburg, Midrand, and Pretoria feature numerous listings, with strong emphasis on passenger vehicles and luxury brands.
Western Cape: Cape Town offers opportunities in both light-vehicle workshops and heavy-duty transport firms.
KwaZulu-Natal: Durban showcases openings tied to the port and logistics sector, particularly for diesel mechanics.
Mpumalanga: Mining hubs like Middelburg and Witbank highlight demand for earthmoving and diesel specialists.
What Employers Are Looking For
Across postings, certain requirements stand out:
Trade Test or Red Seal Certification: This is the gold standard, proving competence and reliability.
Driver’s Licenses: Often Code 10 or Code 14, essential for handling heavy vehicles.
Experience: For senior roles, at least three years in the field is standard.
Soft Skills: Communication, diagnostic ability, and teamwork are increasingly valued.
Salary Ranges
According to Glassdoor and Indeed listings:
Entry-level apprenticeships may start at R 8,000 per month.
Petrol mechanics typically earn R 18,000–R 25,000 per month.
Diesel mechanics can reach R 30,000–R 42,000 per month, depending on experience and specialization.
This progression reflects a career path where skills and certifications directly translate into higher income.
Mechanics and South Africa’s Economic Future
Mechanic roles are not just “jobs.” They represent part of South Africa’s industrial backbone. Logistics, mining, agriculture, and transport all rely on skilled hands to keep engines running. Without them, supply chains falter and businesses grind to a halt.
For jobseekers, this is a beacon of opportunity. For policymakers, it underscores the need to invest in vocational training and technical education. As unemployment continues to hover above 30%, expanding access to apprenticeships and trade schools could offer thousands of South Africans a clear, sustainable career path.
Two Sides of South Africa’s Reality
On one side, we see a deeply painful story—a mother overcome by trauma, a young boy robbed of his future, and a community left asking how such a tragedy could unfold. On the other, we see opportunity: job growth in the mechanics sector, a chance for individuals to find stability, and the promise of skills-driven careers.
Together, these stories remind us of the dual nature of South Africa today: a country battling social wounds but also building avenues for progress.
For Ashwin’s memory, the call is clear: strengthen mental health care, support struggling families, and prevent trauma from turning to tragedy. For the nation’s workforce, the message is equally urgent: seize opportunities, invest in skills, and ensure that economic growth translates into real livelihoods.
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