Wanted: women in trucks!

“Put on the lipstick and grab the wheel!” cries Dorah Lungile Mabaso, driver trainer at UD Trucks Southern Africa and Driver Trainer of the Year 2023. As COLIN WINDELL reports, she believes women should be transforming trucking into a more inclusive and safer industry for everyone.

Mabaso, who started working as a driver trainer in 2021, is easy to identify as a teacher. She speaks with a clear-eyed focus, driven by enthusiasm and a commitment to making the trucking world a better place. She acknowledges that her path has not been free from challenges. “One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is slight sexism – comments here and there – but it’s not as bad as it used to be. If you want to succeed, don’t see it as a stumbling block, but rather as a hurdle to jump over. With the right mindset, it becomes easier,” she advises.

Mabaso has always felt the pressure to prove herself in a male-dominated industry: “For me, the challenge is to be better than I was yesterday. I must ensure trainees believe in me. If I demonstrate something, it has to be accurate so they learn the correct way. I always have to be on my game.”

Her interest in driver training developed after learning to drive trucks in 2019, and she quickly became fascinated by the science behind the skills required to manoeuvre large vehicles. Her curiosity then pushed her to consider the motivations behind being a driver trainer and learn as much as she could about the role. She finds true fulfilment in seeing students replicate and master what she shows them. “It’s not just about passing on knowledge,” she emphasises. “You can teach anyone the basics, but if they don’t remember them the next day, your efforts are wasted.”

Mabaso encourages more women to get involved in trucking but stresses the importance of psychological strength and being eager to learn, noting: “Aspiring truck drivers must be ready to soak up every bit of information like a sponge. A good education is vital.” 

She notes that having to prove oneself against male counterparts remains a significant barrier for many female truck drivers, although acceptance has grown and there are now facilities for women at truck stops, while “men are realising it’s not always a guy climbing out of the truck”. 

She recalls her early days when people would assume she was a man because they didn’t expect to see a woman driver. “Now, people observe more closely, and when they realise it’s a woman, their reactions are priceless. Every compliment from a man feels like a small victory, and I cherish it,” she says.

When asked which gender makes better drivers, Mabaso is clear: “Naturally, women are more cautious. At home, a mother often senses danger before it happens, and that intuition translates to driving. We respect the vehicle and other drivers. We see potential trouble early, which helps us avoid danger. We’d rather observe carefully than take unnecessary risks.”

Despite SA’s high crime levels, Mabaso believes truck driving is no more dangerous than other forms of transport, provided drivers stay vigilant, use their mirrors, lock their trucks, and remain aware of their surroundings. She also advises female drivers to remain calm in dangerous situations: “Think on your feet. Sometimes, you need to cooperate rather than be a hero.”

Finally, Mabaso emphasises healthy habits, and safety above all: “Eat proper food, not fast food. Take breaks to rest and walk; keep your blood circulating. The load you’re carrying is important, but you are the most critical part of the truck. At UD Trucks, we want you to arrive safely.”