The Heidelberg District Taxi Association Women’s League is using Women’s Month 2026 to encourage women to overcome negativity, pursue opportunities and take a more active role in leadership and development within the transport industry and their communities.

The league, under the leadership of chairperson Nonhlanhla Mofokeng, has adopted the theme ‘Rise Above the Noise’ as a call for women to remain focused on their goals despite criticism, fear, doubt and negative opinions.

Mofokeng said the theme is about understanding the difference between constructive criticism and negativity that seeks to discourage women from pursuing their ambitions.

“To me, rise above the noise means refusing to allow negativity, criticism, fear, doubt or other people’s opinions to define who you are or what you can achieve. Rising above the noise does not mean that we ignore constructive criticism.

“It means that we learn to distinguish between criticism that helps us grow and noise that is intended to discourage us. We must not spend so much time listening to the noise that we miss the opportunity to build ourselves,” she said.

Mofokeng said the HDTA Women’s League aims to create opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in the taxi industry and the broader community.

“Our role is not only about celebrating women. We want to see women empowered with knowledge, business skills, leadership opportunities and access to development programmes.

“The league also promotes collaboration among women, encouraging them to share knowledge, opportunities and experiences to build stronger networks and communities. We cannot wait for opportunities to come to us. We must look for them, register for programmes, attend them, complete them and apply what we have learned,” she said.

Mofokeng cited her own professional development as an example, having participated in several programmes, including the Standard Bank Basali Development Programme, where she was a Top 10 finalist in the Business Pitch Competition in 2022.

She also completed the Professional Director Programme for Women Sitting on Boards through the Directors Association in 2021, received recognition through the Women Inspiring Women in Logistics entrepreneurship programme facilitated by the Commercial Transport Academy, and participated in the Mentoring Women in Business Programme Scholarship Fund through the Cherie Blair Foundation in 2024.

As part of its Women’s Month activities, the HDTA Women’s League is undertaking fundraising initiatives, including selling food at taxi ranks. The initiative has received the support of the HDTA executive committee under the leadership of chairperson Tshepo Molaba. Mofokeng called on HDTA drivers, members and the broader HDTA family to support the initiative, saying the ultimate objective is to establish a sustainable Women’s League capable of supporting women beyond Women’s Month.

Mofokeng also encouraged young women aspiring to leadership positions not to be intimidated by male-dominated environments.

“Do not be afraid to enter spaces where you don’t see many women. I have learned from my own journey that you cannot remain relevant without continuously developing yourself.

“The world is changing, the transport industry is changing, and women must be prepared to change and grow with it. Leadership starts with taking responsibility, serving others and being willing to learn.

“We are not asking for space simply because we are women. We are preparing ourselves to occupy those spaces with knowledge, competence, integrity and confidence. The taxi industry is changing, and women must be ready to be part of that change,” she said.