The transport industry is known as a male-dominated industry.
Women in transport still fight to have their presence in the industry felt and their voices heard, not only because they are women but as contributors to the transport economy.
Winnie Mabotja, a transport driver from Germiston, confirmed this is a very challenging industry but over the years more women have entered these spaces to break through boundaries.
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“We are women in transport. We are good drivers like the men and we all contribute to the economy.
“We are complying with the rules as we should, we govern ourselves and during our meetings, we get to discuss issues like sanitising, Covid-19 compliance, renewal of driver’s licences and PDPs,” said Mabotja.
Sibongile Rakosa explained she is responsible for disciplining the women in the industry during their meetings.
She said in most cases when it comes to school transport, parents prefer women to transport children.
“We play a big role in children’s lives. Parents leave their children with us, as they trust us – it is a mother to a mother thing,” said Rakosa.
“When the children mess up during a ride, we are the ones who now become a caretaker and clean up after the children before they enter the school. We make sure they are ready for the school day.
“As women, we are also capable of providing to our families,” said Rakosa.
Contact the newsroom by emailing:
Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za
