FEAR of being squashed by a truck or a bus in the busy roads was what drove Durban Solid Waste (DSW) woman truck driver, Ntombikayise Biyela (46) to get a Code 14 licence.
Biyela is one of the two women who are hired as truck drivers at the New Germany DSW depot in a male-dominated environment.
In 2010, Biyela was employed as a bus driver, transporting mostly school children to and from KwaMashu.
She then worked as a tractor driver in 2012 at the eThekwini Parks Department and was then promoted to an assistant truck driver.
Biyela applied for the DSW position and was hired in May this year as supervisor driver.
“I really enjoy my job, I have always imagined myself driving a big vehicle, it makes me feel powerful and in control.
Most people get surprised when they see me driving the truck as there are not many women who are doing this job.”
She said although she had been welcomed by the DSW staff with open arms, there are challenges that come with being a woman driver in the communities that she has worked in.
“The problem is usually with men. I remember when I was a bus driver, some men would demand their change just to undermine me.
“Other motorists just park in the road and wont move out of the way to test me if I can overtake them without scratching their vehicles.”
Biyela is a mother to two children. Her husband died in 2000.
“The passing of my husband also played a huge role in being the strong woman that I am now.
“I told myself that I need to work hard to provide a better future for my children and they support me in the work that I am doing.”
She advised every woman to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.
“In life, nothing is impossible and I always encourage women to go for what they want to change their life for the better,” added Biyela.
