19/10/2026
My Journey as an Auto Electrician
# # 1. Mutare Polytechnic – Where It All Began
I started my journey by studying automotive electrical systems at Mutare Polytechnic, where I developed the foundation of my technical knowledge. During my time at college, many people knew me as Ralph, even though my first name is Courage. The name Ralph became part of my identity, and the dream of establishing **Ralph Auto Electrics** was already in my mind while I was still at school.
After completing my studies, I went for industrial attachment at **Lich Auto Electrical**, where I gained practical experience and began turning the knowledge I had learned in the classroom into real workshop skills.
# # 2. Gold Class Express Bus Company – Learning to Solve Electrical Problems on Buses
After my attachment, I joined **Gold Class Express Bus Company**, where I gained valuable experience working with buses. This was an important stage in my career because I learned how to diagnose, troubleshoot, and solve electrical problems on buses.
Working on buses taught me that automotive electrical work requires patience, proper testing, and a clear understanding of electrical circuits. Every fault was an opportunity to learn something new and improve my problem-solving skills.
# # 3. Fanwell Auto Mech – Strengthening My Mechanical Knowledge
Later, I moved to South Africa, where I worked alongside my brother at **Fanwell Auto Mech**. Our work focused mainly on engine repairs across different vehicle makes, with the Ford Ranger being one of the vehicles we worked on most frequently.
This experience helped me strengthen my mechanical knowledge and understand engine systems beyond the electrical side of automotive repair. I realised that to become a good auto electrician, I also needed a strong understanding of mechanical systems.
Even as I progressed in my electrical career, I continued working with my brother on weekends because I wanted to improve my mechanical skills and become a more well-rounded technician.
# # 4. Zonke Auto and Service – Expanding My Electrical Experience
I later joined **Zonke Auto and Service**, where I gained even more experience in automotive electrical diagnosis and repairs across different vehicle makes.
We worked extensively on Toyota Quantum vehicles and Volkswagen models, while also gaining experience with trucks and trailers. This exposed me to different electrical systems and challenges, helping me improve my diagnostic approach and become more confident when dealing with unfamiliar faults.
Every vehicle taught me something new, and every challenge pushed me to become better at my work.
# # 5. Reuben Auto Service – Overcoming My Fear of European Vehicles
After two and a half years, I moved to **Reuben Auto Service**, where we worked on a wide range of vehicles, including French vehicles, Mercedes-Benz, and other German makes.
At first, these vehicles were among the ones I was most nervous about working on. Their electrical and electronic systems seemed challenging, and I knew I still had a lot to learn.
However, I decided not to let that fear limit my growth. Through hands-on experience, troubleshooting, and continuous learning, I gradually became more confident working on these vehicles. Today, I can proudly say that I have gained valuable knowledge and experience with many of the vehicles I once found intimidating.
That chapter taught me an important lesson: **the jobs you fear today can become the skills you are proud of tomorrow, if you are willing to learn and keep trying.**
# # 6. Leon Kotze Motors – Growing as a Professional Auto Electrician
My next step was joining **Leon Kotze Motors as an Auto Electrician**, where I continued developing my professional skills and gaining more experience in the automotive industry.
Even while working there, I never stopped spending weekends with my brother at Fanwell Auto Mech. I wanted to strengthen both sides of my knowledge: automotive electrical work and mechanical repairs.
My goal was not simply to become an auto electrician, but to understand vehicles more completely, improve my diagnostic abilities, and prepare myself for the responsibility of running my own business.
# # 7. Ralph Auto Electrics – Turning a School Dream into Reality
After years of studying, working, learning from experienced people, and facing different automotive challenges, I decided to take a step towards building something of my own.
**Ralph Auto Electrics was more than just a business name; it was a dream I had carried since my days at Mutare Polytechnic.**
The name Ralph came from the nickname people knew me by at school, while Courage is my first name. Over time, Ralph became the name connected to my vision of becoming an independent automotive electrical specialist.
Starting my own business represents the experience I have gained, the challenges I have overcome, and the confidence I have built throughout my journey. My aim is to provide reliable automotive electrical services, professional fault finding, accurate diagnostics, and quality repairs while continuing to learn and improve.
I know that the automotive industry is constantly changing, especially with modern vehicle electronics and diagnostic technology. That is why I remain committed to learning, investing in my skills, and approaching every job with patience and professionalism.
# # My Message
Looking back, every stage of my journey played an important role in shaping the technician I am today. From college to bus electrical systems, from engine repairs with my brother to working on Toyota, Volkswagen, French, German, and other vehicles, every experience has added something valuable to my knowledge.
I did not learn everything in one day, and I am still learning. My journey has taught me that success comes from hard work, patience, determination, and the courage to face the jobs that once seemed impossible.
I started with a dream at Mutare Polytechnic, gained experience in different workshops, and continued learning until I was ready to pursue my own vision.
**Today, that dream lives on through Ralph Auto Electrics.**
*Ralph Auto Electrics — Built on Experience, Driven by Passion, and Committed to Finding Solutions.*
