Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to transforming the transport sector by expanding opportunities for women and strengthening institutional support aimed at advancing their economic participation.

Speaking during the department’s women in transport engagement session, held in partnership with the Church of Scientology, South African National Women in Transport (SANWIT), and other stakeholders under the theme: Siyabakhumbula, Diale-Tlabela said women are central to the growth and future of the transport industry.

“Women are not guests in the transport industry.

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Women belong in the transport industry as owners, operators, engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, and leaders.”

The engagement, held at Castle Kyalami, brought together women from across the transport value chain to recognise and honour their contribution to the sector. It further provided a platform to discuss challenges, strengthen partnerships, and identify practical interventions aimed at accelerating participation, transformation, and economic empowerment.

Acknowledging barriers that continue to hinder women’s participation in the sector’s economy, Diale-Tlabela noted that women still struggle to access finance, obtain operating licences, and compete in a historically male-dominated industry.

She further highlighted the unique challenges faced by widows who are often left vulnerable and forced to fight for businesses they helped build.

“As government, we have moved beyond policy. We are building practical interventions that protect, empower, and create opportunities for women. Transformation is measured by the institutions we build, the lives we change, and the opportunities we create.”

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To further strengthen women’s empowerment programmes, the MEC announced the department has repurposed R2m from the Taxi Trust allocation to support initiatives focused on women in transport.

This will be used to fund enterprise development for women-owned transport businesses, leadership and skills development programmes, business advisory services, mentorship initiatives, support for women entrepreneurs entering the transport economy, and dedicated assistance for widows and vulnerable women.

She also announced the department has allocated dedicated office accommodation to SANWIT, providing the organisation with a permanent operational base to continue advocating for and supporting women across Gauteng.

“This is far more than office space. It is an investment in an institution that invests in women and demonstrates our commitment to building sustainable structures that advance their participation and empowerment.”

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The engagement also highlighted the progress made by the #AgaLeRona Women in Transport Help Desk, established by the department in 2024 to provide dedicated support to women in the sector.

Staffed and supported by a team of dedicated officials, the help desk provides legal guidance, business advisory services, psychosocial counselling, operating licence support, mentorship, and leadership development to women, particularly widows and vulnerable entrepreneurs.

Since its establishment, the help desk has responded to 483 inquiries, facilitated 190 operating license transfers, processed 99 operating license activations, provided counselling and psychosocial support to 54 widows, and assisted with 106 new operating license applications.

Diale-Tlabela reaffirmed the department remains committed to building a transport sector where women participate fully as business owners, professionals, and decision-makers, ensuring that future generations of women can thrive within an inclusive and transformed industry.

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