Barloworld’s Professional Driver Programme is committed to diversity and inclusion in a traditionally male-dominated transport and logistics sector by producing skilled female drivers.
Barloworld’s driver programme recently had 14 certified professional Code 14 female drivers graduate. Sibani Mngomezulu, Barloworld’s group executive for human resources, strategy and sustainability said companies needed to transform the face of traditionally male-dominated industries such as the operational side of road logistics.
“A programme of this nature gives our women drivers an opportunity to equip themselves with skills that will advance them in the ranks of our operations side of the business. We’re excited at the prospect of our women drivers’ growth. It’s a focus area that we are continuously promoting to ensure diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” said Mngomezulu.
The programme supports 45 females who are in the process of completing their national certificate in professional driving. All participants have varying backgrounds, from being unemployed to security personnel, domestic workers and chefs.
Not all participants have managed to receive their licence, but are making significant progress and can manoeuvre the trucks around the yard, while others are starting on the road training.
Nonhlanhla Ngubane, a participant said, “This experience has taught me to approach my challenges head-on. The programme has helped me be more aware of the road rules. I am now more observant, mindful, patient and accountable as a driver.”
PWC’s Transportation and Logistics 2030 report stated that companies with the most female board directors outperformed those with the least by about 16 per cent in sales and up to 26 per cent in invested capital.
“It has always made sense to us that women should be more intimately involved in leadership roles,” said Mngomezulu. “Greater social diversity in any environment creates a better level of innovation, efficiency and creativity in problem-solving.”
Barloworld is driving several initiatives to attract, train, mentor, coach and employ women in transport and logistics.
