Before sunrise, Sindile Mathunjwa is behind the wheel of her truck, proving that women are not just part of the transport industry – they are leading the way, kilometre by kilometre, against all odds.
Mpumalanga, South Africa (17 December 2024) – It’s two in the morning, and while most of us are tucked in bed, Sindile Mathunjwa is already preparing for her workday. Her office? A massive truck and trailer with 12 gears, a powerful diesel engine, and tonnes of cargo. For Sindile, it’s just another day on the road – and another step forward for women breaking barriers in South Africa’s transport industry.
Sindile is one of 11 SPAR truck drivers operating out of Mbombela in the Mpumalanga Lowveld. She proudly stands among a growing community of women who are redefining what it means to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her journey is one of resilience, empowerment, and sheer determination.
When Sindile hits the road, her four children remain sound asleep at home. These are not her biological kids but her sister’s children, whom she has raised since their parents passed away.
“I am the kids’ aunt and have been caring for them since their parents passed away,” she shares.
Her role as both provider and role model gives her purpose.
“They understand that my job provides them with a better future,” she says with pride.
But Sindile’s story is about more than just putting food on the table. It’s about embracing opportunities where others might see limits.
“I left school with a commercial matric. My qualifications meant that lots of opportunities weren’t available to me,” she explains. “I decided that driving was a good choice and qualified as a driving instructor.”
For five years, she taught men how to drive before taking her career up a gear by joining The SPAR Group in 2016.
Since then, she has logged thousands of kilometres and shattered expectations. Male colleagues still express disbelief when she climbs out of her rig.
“Situations like these often end with happy pictures of me with the disbelieving men and my truck as a backdrop,” she says, laughing.
While occasional hostility comes with the territory, Sindile remains unfazed.
“I like being on the road and not having to answer to anybody. I control my truck, enjoy making decisions, and being my own boss.”
Sindile’s success highlights a bigger picture: the importance of women challenging industry norms and proving their worth in roles often reserved for men. Truck driving is vital for South Africa’s economy, and empowering women in this space is not just about equality – it’s about unlocking untapped potential.
Mpudi Maubane, National Communications, PR & Sponsorship Manager for The SPAR Group, explains: “Empowering women is a core value at SPAR. We are committed to providing opportunities for women to explore their potential in a traditionally male-dominated industry and build meaningful careers, which is especially important in a country facing a skills shortage. Overlooking women’s talents means overlooking 51% of South Africa’s population.”
The SPAR Group backs this commitment with action. From custom security systems in vehicles to policies that prioritise safety and education funding for employees’ children, SPAR ensures that women like Sindile thrive.
For Sindile, this support has made a lasting impact: “I would like to become a driving instructor at SPAR,” she says. “I want to pass on my skills and experience to the next generation of women drivers.”
And why is this a good thing?
Because when women succeed, families prosper, communities grow stronger, and industries transform. The empowerment of women like Sindile goes beyond workplace equality; it speaks to resilience, opportunity, and the shared benefits of inclusivity.
Maubane sums it up perfectly: “When our women succeed, their families thrive, and their communities grow stronger. Transformation is not just a corporate goal; it’s a national imperative that benefits all South Africans.”
Sindile Mathunjwa’s story is a shining example of what happens when determination meets opportunity. It’s about breaking barriers, paving new roads, and lifting others along the way. As more women take the wheel and challenge industry norms, they aren’t just driving trucks; they’re driving change.
And that’s something worth celebrating.
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