The, traditionally male-dominated, trucking and logistics industry in South Africa is undergoing a quiet, yet powerful, transformation. As the nation grapples with a high unemployment rate—exceeding 33% in 2025—and a critical shortage of skilled commercial drivers, a new force is emerging on the road: women.
While historically considered an environment strictly for men, the sector is increasingly recognizing that diversity is not just a social imperative, but a business advantage. Women in trucking are proving to be meticulous, safety-conscious, and reliable operators, reshaping a sector that is crucial to the nation’s GDP.
This article explores the burgeoning areas of opportunity, the systemic barriers to entry, specialized training initiatives, and the inspiring success stories of women commanding the wheel in South Africa. The demand for logistics services is growing, and with it, the requirement for truck drivers. South Africa is estimated to need thousands of new professional drivers annually, creating a massive opportunity for women, especially in long-haul, logistics, and supply chain management.
The most direct entry point is driving heavy-duty vehicles. Contrary to outdated beliefs that driving trucks requires immense physical strength, modern trucks are equipped with advanced automatic features, focusing on attentiveness and skill rather than brute force. Women are particularly sought after for:
Long-haul transport: Moving freight across provinces, especially in temperature-sensitive cargo sectors.
Fuel and chemical tankers: Companies are seeking safe drivers, and statistics show that women are often softer on vehicles, leading to lower maintenance costs and reduced insurance risks.
Beyond driving, there is a growing niche for women-owned logistics enterprises. Women are venturing into transportrokering, courier services, and specialized logistics (e.g., transporting agricultural or pharmaceutical goods).
Logistics is not just about driving. Women are breaking into technical roles, including:
Driver Trainers: Teaching the next generation of logistics professionals.
Fleet Managers and Coordinators: Utilizing technology to optimize routes and manage operations.
Logistics Technicians: Maintaining and maintaining fleet uptime.
Barriers to Entry: A Challenging Terrain
Despite the push for transformation, women face significant hurdles, ranging from infrastructural limitations to deep-seated cultural bias. Safety is paramount. Long-haul trucking often involves long hours on the road, with high risks of hijacking, robbery, and gender-based violence. The lack of safe, suitable rest stops, washrooms, and accommodation along routes remains a massive challenge.
Women in trucking often encounter disbelief from colleagues and customers. Outdated, patriarchal attitudes persist, leading to women being doubted, intimidated, or belittled in a male-dominated space.
Obtaining a Code 14 driver’s license is expensive, and many women, especially those returning to the workforce, lack the capital for training. Long-haul trucking requires long periods away from home, making it difficult for women to balance their roles as primary caregivers in many households.
Skills Development Programmes: Empowering the Future
To address these barriers,Several industry-leading initiatives are in place to empower women and provide them with the skills required to thrive.
Commercial Transport Academy (CTA): The CTA, often in partnership with companies like UD Trucks, Hollard, and USAID, has spearheaded the “Women Inspiring Women to Lead in Transport” (WIWIT) initiative.
- What it offers: A 12-month learnership programme (accredited by TETA and QCTO) that combines classroom knowledge with in-cab experience.
- Holistic training: In addition to driving, they offer training in soft skills, such as financial literacy, time management, and health awareness.
- Impact: The academy reports an impressive 97% employment rate for its graduates.
Shoprite has actively recruited women into its supply chain, training them on everything from logistics to operating forklifts and driving trucks. They work with accredited trainers like SafetyCloud to provide specialized, intensive training.
Mentorship and Networking: Organizations like the Emerging Truckers Association of South Africa (TASA) and the Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference focus on providing mentorship, supporting business development for female entrepreneurs, and promoting female role models.
The success of these programs is evident in the inspiring journeys of women who have turned to trucking as a career. Cynthia Thala: #ThankYouTrucker Winner
Cynthia Thala made history as the first female winner of the #ThankYouTrucker award in 2023. A bulk vehicle operator, she proved her mettle by delivering over 11 million litres of goods without incident, proving her precision and commitment.
Nosihle: Paving the Way: Nosihle, a driver for the Shoprite Group, transitioned from an informal settlement to a Code 14 truck driver. She is now actively training other women, breaking the stereotype that this is a “man’s job”.
Zureena Samuels: The Driver-Operator: Samuels is a driver-operator for Frost Logistics, specializing in temperature-sensitive cargo. Her story emphasizes the need for mentorship and the importance of having a solid support system—both at home and in the industry.
Constance Makwale: From Spaza Shop to Fleet Owner: Makwale’s story is a testament to resilience. After being homeless and rejected, she secured a youth business fund, obtained her Code 14 license, and built a business that grew from a single vehicle to a fleet of 62 trucks. She is a shining example of entrepreneurship, proving that women can lead in the logistics space.
The Road Ahead
The inclusion of women in the South African trucking industry is not merely about ticking boxes; it is a vital step towards enhancing safety, reducing operational costs, and filling a critical skill gap in the economy. While the barriers to entry—particularly regarding safety and infrastructure—are real, initiatives like the CTA’s WIWIT program and supportive employers are slowly dismantling these barriers.
As more women take to the wheel and enter the boardroom of logistics companies, the face of trucking in South Africa will continue to change, making the sector more inclusive, safer, and more resilient. The message from the trailblazers is clear: with the right support, mentorship, and training, women are not just capable of driving trucks—they are capable of steering the entire industry toward a more profitable future.
Carmaine Jacobs
