WATCH: Meet the metro’s first female truck driver

Although more women have joined the world of truck driving, an environment that is dominated by men, it takes a courageous women to meet the challenge.

One woman who has gladly hopped into the driver’s seat of a truck is Nonceba Mpantsha Dlomo (36), the first female to drive a truck for the Ekurhuleni waste department.

She was appointed in 2012.

Throughout the years she hasn’t disappointed, rising against all odds to remain victorious.

Dlomo, who hails from Brakpan, started working as a litter picker for the waste department in 2008.

In 2009, she was promoted to a team leader. One day in 2012 changed her life forever and made her to think out of the box.

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“While doing round collections, it happened that unexpectedly it started to rain persistently, which resorted in my clothes being soaked.
“I became angry but thought to myself what I can do to elevate myself from this position. At that point I decided to do a code 14 licence,” she said.

Two months later, after completing her licence, a truck operator post became available at the metro.
Dlomo applied and was successful.

“When I started driving the truck, I would opt to work in residential places and not in the Boksburg CBD because I was too scared.
“It was a 16-ton truck and when it had a load it was even scarier. After a month though, I overcame my fears,” she said.

The 36-year-old said her male colleagues have always shown her respect and have learnt to embrace gender equality.

Humble beginnings
Dlomo grew up in Durban and came to Gauteng in 2007 in search of greener pastures.

Before working for the Ekurhuleni waste department, she worked in various call centres.

Although her dream of being a chartered accountant never materialised, Dlomo holds a diploma in information technology.

She is married to Sibusiso Dlomo and was blessed with two sons, one of whom has died.

When she’s not at work, Dlomo said she loves going to the gym, travelling and participating in local marathons.
Touching on Women’s Month, she advised women to get out of their comfort zones.

“Have friends who will challenge you to be a better person and those who can help you grow.
“Whatever work you are doing, no matter how small it is, learn to make it work for you and flourish so you are noticed,” Dlomo said.