Charles Gladden Ngobeni – Endurance driver (Automotive industry)

May 3, 2023

Charles Gladden Ngobeni is an endurance driver at VW South Africa, he has a unique job that allows him to drive prototype cars and provide feedback on any faults he encounters. Here are some questions that he often gets asked about his job:

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1. What qualifications do you hold?

I have a diploma in sports management that I obtained from Tshwane University of Technology in 2018.

2. What does your job entail (day-to-day activities)?

As an endurance driver, I test-drive prototype cars and collect data on any faults I encounter. I then write reports about these faults and make sure that they are fixed before the cars go into production and are sold to the public.

3. What is the most challenging thing about your job?

The most challenging part of my job is the unpredictability of the cars that we drive. Since they have never been tested before, anything can happen while driving, such as engine failure, technology malfunctions, or accidents on the road. Driving left-hand steering cars, which are the majority of the prototype cars I drive, is also challenging, as they come from Germany, and we drive on the right side in South Africa.

4. What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

The most rewarding thing about my job is that it doesn’t feel like work at all, instead, it’s like getting paid to do what I love, which is driving new cars that I wouldn’t be able to afford or that haven’t been released on the market yet.

5. Why did you choose this path?

I think this career path chose me! I’ve always been fascinated by cars. I grew up around mechanics who were always fixing cars. When I went to be tested for this job, I had already been working in a related field, but I jumped at the chance to work as an endurance driver.

6. What’s something an outsider wouldn’t know about your industry?

You need a lot of skill and discipline to be an endurance driver. Most of the prototype cars we drive have left-hand steering, which can be challenging for someone used to driving on the right-hand side of the road. You also need to have a lot of car knowledge so that you can identify any faults and know how to fix them.

7. How would your 10-year-old self react to what you do now?

He would be delighted and impressed. I’m doing what he loves and gets paid for it.

8. What career advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, create your own opportunities, and most importantly create multiple income streams for yourself. Doing so will allow you to spend your time doing what you love.

9. What’s one work-related thing you want to accomplish this year?

I want to focus on my own business. For me to do that I’ll have to work harder and save up more, so that I can be able to invest in it.

10. When you started your current job what most surprised you?

I was surprised by how easy it was for my trainer to overtake other cars while driving a left-hand steering vehicle. I was also amazed at how fast electric cars accelerate and how silent they are on the road.

11. If money were no object what would you do with your life?

If I weren’t an endurance driver, I would pursue music as a rapper and beat producer. I’m a self-taught beatmaker, and I enjoy working in various genres of music. Music is my passion, and I’ll always find a way to incorporate it into my life, whether as a hobby or a career.

12. Have you heard of an emergency fund? Do you have it?

I have not heard of it, this is the first time hearing of it.

An emergency fund is a stash of money set aside to cover the financial surprises life throws your way. These unexpected events can be stressful and costly.

You can also tap into your emergency fund during a family emergency or when your pet needs medical care.

Read: Why You Need an Emergency Fund

13. Four financial lessons every kid should know?

My advice would be to do what you love, even if the money isn’t there at first. When you’re doing something you love, it doesn’t feel like work, and you’ll be much happier in the long run. I would also say that it’s important to start young and build a foundation for the things that interest you. Don’t settle for a job that isn’t secure, and try to create multiple income streams so that you can have the freedom to pursue your passions. Finally, I would recommend that you focus on assets and net worth rather than material things and liabilities.

14. If you could do it again, would you pursue the same career? Why or why not?

I would pursue the same career, be it in sport or endurance driving, without the politics and negative aspects of this job that I have come across while inside the industry. If everything was done on merit rather than background and skin color playing a part that favors some over others, it would make a significant difference.

15. Do you think your job will be around in the next 10 years?

I see a future for endurance driving, especially since companies like Volkswagen have invested millions in this field. It helps companies avoid losing money since testing their cars before launching them reduces the risk of recalls and customer complaints. Moreover, endurance driving prepares companies for the future, especially since they are testing electric cars.