In a country like South Africa, seeing women taking the wheel of cabs and embracing the open road is not a common sight. However, times are changing and more women are now venturing into trucking as a legitimate profession. One such trailblazer is Xolsile Dories Ziqubu, who wholeheartedly embraces her role as a long-distance truck driver, proving that gender should never dictate one's career path.For Ziqubu, trucking is not just a job; it's a passion and a means to provide for her family. She sees herself as no different from the thousands of male truck drivers who navigate the roads daily. Driving heavy-duty trucks is second nature to her, and the financial stability it brings makes it all the more rewarding.She credits her upbringing for instilling in her the determination and resilience required to thrive in a male-dominated industry. Her grandfather played a pivotal role in shaping her mindset, never once limiting her potential based on her gender. “He never made me think that because I am a woman I should only be doing kitchen work. Instead, he taught me to work like a man, and I think that is the reason I chose to be a truck dr iver.”Women on the road face many challenges, including the many stereotypes and biases out there. Practically, however, the biggest challenge remains the lack of facilities catering for women. “It is very difficult to find rest stops and trucking stations that have adequate bathing facilities for women,” she says. As the first female long-distance truck driver at Breeze Shipping, she is committed to making a success of her career. “I have faced many financial struggles and setbacks in my life, and this is an opportunity to secure not only myself financially but also my children’s futures.”According to Michelle Maharaj, owner and director at Breeze Shipping, while much still has to be done to improve rest stops and trucking stations which cater predominantly to male drivers, they are seeing progress, with many facilities now adding restrooms, beds and showers for women.She says despite these challenges it is imperative that logistics companies give women the necessary opportunities.Ziqubu agrees, saying her only advice to aspiring women truck drivers is to go for it. “Just do it. If you are looking for independence and individuality then this is the career for you. Don’t be afraid to take the step and qualify as a driver. As women we have the power to do it.”
