The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has reiterated its commitment to building a transport sector where women participate fully as business owners, professionals and decision-makers.

The Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, revealed that the department has repurposed R2m from the Taxi Trust allocation to support initiatives focused on women in transport.

The funds will be geared towards enterprise development for women-owned transport businesses, leadership and skills development programmes, business advisory services, mentorship, support for women entrepreneurs entering the transport economy, and dedicated assistance for widows and vulnerable women.

Diale-Tlabela says the Provincial Government will transform the transport sector by expanding opportunities for women. Diale-Tlabela believes that women are central to the growth and future of the transport industry.

“Women are not guests in the transport industry. Women belong in the transport industry as owners, operators, engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers and leaders.”

The MEC was addressing scores of women during the Women in Transport Engagement Session, held in partnership with the Church of Scientology, the South African National Women in Transport (SANWIT) and other stakeholders.

The engagement provided a platform to discuss challenges, strengthen partnerships and identify practical interventions aimed at accelerating participation, transformation and economic empowerment.

MEC 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,” she said.

Furthermore, the MEC announced that the department has allocated dedicated office accommodation to the SANWIT.

“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 empower,” added the MEC.

The engagement highlighted the progress made by the AgaLeRona Women in Transport Help Desk, which provides legal guidance, business advisory services, psychosocial counselling, support for operating licences, mentorship, and leadership development to women, particularly widows and vulnerable entrepreneurs.