Ndima Mankomo: SA’s first female RTMS auditor!

August 26, 2024

Women are increasingly coming to the fore in the transport industry. Just one example is Ndima Mankomo, South Africa’s first female Road Transport Management System (RTMS) auditor.

As the global transport and logistics industry continues to evolve, compliance with local and international regulations has never been more critical. JC Auditors (JCA), a leader in ISO certification and related compliance services, emphasises the need for organisations to align with internationally accepted standards. “These standards are not just about meeting legal requirements. They are also about building resilient, safe, and sustainable operations that can adapt to a rapidly changing environment,” says Oliver Naidoo, managing director of JCA.

The company isn’t just passionate about making the transport industry safer. It is also committed to promoting gender diversity in the road transport sector, particularly in roles that influence compliance and safety standards. Just one example of this policy is the appointment of Ndima Mankomo, South Africa’s first female RTMS auditor. Her work has been pivotal in driving compliance and operational improvements across the industry. RTMS is a voluntary self-regulation initiative designed to promote safety, compliance, and efficiency within the sector.

Reflecting on her journey, Mankomo shares: “Being part of JC Auditors and contributing to road safety through RTMS certification has been incredibly rewarding. I am passionate about helping companies not only meet, but exceed, safety standards. I am proud to be part of an organisation that values diversity and inclusion in such a meaningful way.”

Naidoo notes that Mankomo’s role is a testament to JCA’s dedication to empowering women in compliance roles, recognising their invaluable contributions to the industry’s growth and safety. “This focus on gender inclusion is also reflected in the broader context of ISO certifications, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in compliance and auditing,” he points out.

“While ISO standards apply universally across the industry, JCA recognises the growing importance of promoting women in compliance and operational excellence. There are no specific ISO requirements that pertain exclusively to women; however, best practices in the industry increasingly acknowledge the value of incorporating gender perspectives into compliance strategies. ISO 53800 provides guidelines for organisations to promote and implement gender equality and women’s empowerment. It focuses on overcoming the inequality arising from gender-specific roles and is applicable to all organisations, regardless of their size, location, or field of activity,” Naidoo explains.

He maintains that women are underrepresented in the transport sector, particularly in leadership roles. “However, their participation is crucial for a well-rounded, inclusive approach to compliance and risk management. Encouraging the upskilling of women in compliance-related roles not only contributes to gender equality, but also enhances the overall effectiveness of a company’s compliance efforts. JC Auditors advocates for the inclusion of women in ISO training and certification programmes, which equips them with the knowledge and skills to lead in this critical area,” he says.

“By promoting the upskilling of women in ISO certification processes and compliance with transport regulators, JCA aims to contribute to a more diverse and resilient industry. This commitment is most evident in the JCA medical auditor team, which comprises 100% women – an industry first!” Naidoo continues.

“We believe that gender diversity and adherence to international standards like RTMS are not just about compliance – they are strategic advantages that lead to better, safer operations,” he adds. “Our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, where women like Mankomo can thrive, is key to our vision of a safer, more equitable industry.”