Female representation on the rise in SA’s transport sector

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month this August, it’s vital to highlight the transformative strides made by women in the transport sector.

The Commercial Transport Academy (CTA) has been instrumental in driving gender neutrality within the transport and freight industry. However, this progress has been the result of collective efforts, with key contributions across the value chain from grant funders, employers, and partnerships between the private sector and government.

Nicci Scott-Anderson, CEO of the CTA, notes that in 2019, research revealed that women comprised barely 1% of the working commercial driver population. However, just five years later, ongoing surveys show that women now represent 4.4% of those doing line-haul deliveries and using truck stop infrastructure. Scott-Anderson emphasises that the growth in female participation is more than just a statistic – it signifies a profound cultural shift within the industry. By embracing the diverse talents and perspectives women bring, the transport sector is evolving into a more equitable and dynamic field.

This progress underscores the importance of collaboration, where endorsement and co-funding by various stakeholders have been key to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women to thrive. Via its Women Inspiring Women in Transport (WiWiT) Programme, the CTA actively supports and empowers women to drive a range of vehicles, from courier motorcycles and vans to extra-heavy line haul trucks across different industries. “By fostering an environment that values diversity, we are not only challenging traditional norms, but also ensuring that women have the skills, confidence, and support needed to excel in various facets of the transport and logistics industry,” says Scott-Anderson.

One such initiative is The Courier Incubator (TCI) Project, designed to expose women to the courier environment over 12 months. This pilot project, which is proving insightful, has been made possible through collaboration between the CTA, Hollard Insure, Iveco, the YES programme, and various host employers, including The Courier Guy.

According to Craig Pitcher, The Courier Guy CEO, the TCI project has transformed talent development at the company by providing a steady stream of motivated interns eager to learn and contribute. “These interns are immersed in the company’s culture, bridging the gap between academia and the workplace with practical experience,” he notes.

As interns grow within the ecosystem, they become strong candidates for permanent roles, creating a sustainable talent pipeline. “The programme has a profound impact, introducing high-quality, work-ready interns who actively contribute to the business, helping address workforce needs while gaining valuable industry experience,” Pitcher adds. From a societal perspective, he says, “the programme addresses youth unemployment, giving interns the skills and confidence to thrive in professional environments and contributing to economic growth and social stability”.

Scott-Anderson notes that as the industry reflects on these achievements, it is evident that continued support and recognition of such initiatives are vital to maintain momentum towards true gender parity. “We extend our gratitude to USAID for their support and funding, which have been instrumental in enabling the projects run by the CTA. However, to sustain and expand these efforts, we urge all industry stakeholders to join us in supporting the transformative work of the CTA. By getting involved, you can play a pivotal role in fostering a more inclusive and dynamic transport sector,” she stresses.

“Contact the CTA today to discover how your organisation can contribute to these impactful projects, driving progress, empowering talent, and creating lasting change in our industry. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for all!”