Men have long dominated the trucking industry but a growing number of woman have been increasing over the years. Despite facing different challenges and stereotypes, woman are proving themselves to be skilled, safe, and successful drivers. Their determination has shown us the transformative power of their unrelenting spirit. Determined women are unstoppable forces for change. Their unwavering commitment to their goals and passions inspires and empowers others to do the same. Such is proof with Zanele Hlubi who has been a Trucker for 14 years.
“I’m a professional heavy duty Driver (Bus Driver/Truck Driver). My journey through the world of transportation has not been easy, but every single company I have worked for, offered very different realities. I’m truly proud of the fact that I hold my own in a “boy’s world”. Trucking industry is still a male dominated industry . I can definitely say that it isn’t easy for women as the minority to break in but my passion for what I do gets me through the harsher times.
Having been in the industry for well over 10 years there have been challenges and over time, they have evolved along with the industry. In the early years, gaining experience in a male-dominated industry was very difficult as companies were not keen to give a novice woman their vehicle and merchants worth millions of rands. I persistent and never gave up.
I got my code 14 license in 2011 October. I always loved big trucks from a young age. I have three brothers who are truck drivers as well so the influence had already been there before I embarked on a journey to get licensed. But meeting my late friend ( Ningi Dlamini) really fuelled my passion. She was the first woman I ever saw driving a horse and trailer.
Things have changed a lot since 14 years ago I joined the industry. Most companies are looking for female drivers now. They have initiatives in the form of leadership and owner-driver schemes to persuade more women to join the industry. There’s still only 7% of women truck drivers on our road, but an improvement from 10 years ago. And as for treatment from our male counterparts, some men are welcoming to see more women on the road. They will even go their way out trying to help you. Some of them are, well, I don’t wanna say rude, but still kind of have that notion of “what are you doing out here? This isn’t for a female.
Truck driving is a career like any other. There’s growth within the industry. I think if I were to talk to any younger woman who wanted to go into the industry, I would tell them if they want to be a trucker, Be a proud Trucker, and learn the skill. Educate yourself about the industry. And through perseverance and hard work, one day you will have your own fleet of trucks, your company.”
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