Westraadt’s road to automotive leadership

Anton Westraadt has dedicated 15 years to Pupkewitz Motors, where he currently serves as managing director.

Born and raised in South Africa, Westraadt grew up in a family that valued discipline and responsibility.

As the eldest of two children, he felt responsible for setting an example, a role that taught him hard work and commitment from a young age.

His father’s constant reminder that “you will know whether you did your best” became a guiding principle in his life, he told Careers.

As a young man, he believed his debating skills would carry him into the courtroom, but his ambitions shifted as he discovered a deeper passion for leadership and management.

“My interest in leadership and business towards the latter part of my studies overshadowed my ambition to become a lawyer; hence, I never went on to do my articles,” Westraadt said.

The defining moment in his career came in 2011, when the late Harold Pupkewitz appointed him to oversee marketing and communication for the group.

Westraadt said this opportunity placed him under the mentorship of one of Namibia’s most renowned entrepreneurs. “I was privileged to report to Mr Pupkewitz until he passed away in 2012," he said. "I joined the motor division in 2012 as head of marketing. Then I was given the opportunity to gain valuable operational experience as the dealer principal of Pupkewitz Toyota Windhoek."

In 2020, he became the franchise director before taking up the position of managing director five years ago.

Lessons from setbacks

Beyond business, Westraadt has extended his leadership into sport.

His recent appointment to the Cricket Namibia board reflects his commitment to community development.

“I have recently been appointed to the board of Cricket Namibia, which is a massive honour, given the respect I have for what this sport code has achieved in Namibia." 

His advice to young Namibians is to embrace discipline and accountability.

Westraadt said that success comes from self-reliance, resilience, and care for one’s wellbeing. "The world owes you nothing. Take charge of your own life and future. There is only one place where you will find ‘success’ before ‘work’, and that is in the dictionary," he said, adding: "Any setback is an opportunity to grow. Take good care of your body, mind and soul."