Government of Western Cape salutes females driving the logistics sector
The Western Cape Government is encouraging residents to show their appreciation for the unsung heroes who make freight possible within the region. During Freight Focus Month, a dedicated month to elevate public awareness, the Western Cape Mobility Department hosted an event to honour and recognise the significant contributions of women in the freight industry.
Led by Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku, the event aimed to acknowledge the emotional and practical challenges that women face in a traditionally male-dominated industry. These women, whether behind the wheel or managing households during long absences on the road, play a crucial and multifaceted role in moving essential goods such as food, fuel, and medicine across the region.
Muneera Allie, the department's Head of Communication, expressed her gratitude towards these women, highlighting that they are often unrecognized by the public but are essential in holding families, businesses, and supply chains together. Allie emphasized the indispensable role that drivers' spouses play, maintaining family stability while their loved ones spend weeks on the road, often missing important life events.
One such woman, Lauryn Rhodenburg, passionately advocates for more women to join the freight transport industry. Rhodenburg, a professional truck driver, shared her love for driving trucks and the sense of accomplishment she feels when delivering essential goods to their destinations.
Sileku specifically thanked women who are behind the wheel, managing things at home, or offering emotional support. The department is expressing appreciation for the people in the freight industry during Freight Focus Month.
The event served not only to honour these women but also to highlight their strength, sacrifice, and essential support in keeping the freight sector—and thus the economy—moving. Beyond the Western Cape, the supply chain sector in South Africa is undergoing a gender-inclusive transformation with more women entering logistics and leadership roles, bringing innovation and inclusive approaches to the industry’s future.
The next time a Western Cape resident passes a truck on the road, they are encouraged to think of the many hands and hearts behind the wheel, reminding us of the fundamental pillars of the freight industry’s resilience and success in the Western Cape.
