Women truck drivers put empowerment and personal safety in the spotlight as Freight Focus Month ends

Women truck drivers were recognised for their vital contribution to South Africa's freight industry at the Western Cape Mobility Department's Women in Freight session in Cape Town today (31 August), which also highlighted the importance of safety, empowerment and inclusion in the sector.

The event brought together women truck drivers to share experiences, reflect on career opportunities and recognise the valuable contribution women make to an industry that has traditionally been male dominated. It also provided a platform to discuss some of the unique challenges faced by women truck drivers, including personal safety while travelling and working on the road.

The session also included practical self-defence training to help women improve their situational awareness, build confidence and equip themselves with practical skills to respond when they feel unsafe.

Women truck drivers often face challenges that differ from those experienced by many of their male counterparts. Long-distance travel, overnight trips, working alone, and stopping at unfamiliar rest areas or loading facilities can create additional safety concerns. The session acknowledged these realities while reinforcing the message that women belong in the freight industry and should be able to pursue successful careers in a safe and supportive environment.

Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, said the event was both a celebration of women's contribution to freight and an opportunity to address the barriers they continue to face. “We want more women to join the freight industry and build their careers, but we must also make sure they feel safe at work and on the road. Whether a woman is driving a truck, working at a terminal, inspecting a vehicle or managing operations, her safety must come first. Government and industry must work together to make this happen.”

Recent research by the Vaal University of Technology shows that women make up about 28% of South Africa’s transport and logistics workforce. In road freight, women make up just over 4% of commercial truck drivers. These figures show that we need to create more opportunities for women to enter the industry, build their careers and move into leadership positions, while also making sure they work in safe environments.

Minister Sileku said the self-defence training formed part of a broader message of empowerment. “Self-defence is not about fighting. It is about being aware of your surroundings, having confidence and knowing what to do when you feel unsafe. Every woman has the right to feel safe at work and on the road.”

The Department will continue working with the freight industry and other partners to create more opportunities for women and promote safer workplaces and roads.

The Women in Freight session formed part of Freight Focus Month, which highlights the important role freight and logistics play in keeping goods moving, supporting jobs and growing the Western Cape economy.

Media Enquiries
Byron La Hoe
Acting Media Liaison Officer to Minister Isaac Sileku
Western Cape Mobility Department
Email: Byron.laHoe@westerncape.gov.za