It’s not unusual for Sindile Mathunjwa (image) to arrive at her office at two a.m. to prepare for the day ahead.
It may seem like a strange time to get to work, but when your ‘office’ is a massive truck and trailer with 12 gears, a powerful diesel engine, and several tonnes of cargo, an early start is routine.
Sindile is one of 11 SPAR drivers working in Mbombela in the Mpumalanga Lowveld, and she’s proud to be part of a growing community of women breaking barriers in the transport industry this national Transport Month.
As she swings her rig onto the road, four of the reasons she’s happy to be alone at the wheel on a dark highway are still sound asleep at home. Her children, who she has cared for since their parents passed away, may sometimes wish their ‘mom’ was around more, but they understand that her job provides them with a better future. “I am the kids' aunt and have been caring for them since their parents passed away,” says Sindile.
However, Sindile’s journey isn’t just about providing for her family. It’s also about personal empowerment and seizing opportunities in a field traditionally dominated by men. “I left school with a commercial matric. My qualifications meant that lots of opportunities weren’t available to me. I decided that driving was a good choice and qualified as a driving instructor,” she recalls. After five years of teaching men to drive, she took her career further by joining The SPAR Group in 2016. Since then, she has never looked back.
After eight years on the road and thousands of kilometres behind her, Sindile still faces surprise and disbelief from male colleagues when she steps out of her truck. “Situations like these often end with happy pictures of me with the disbelieving men and my truck as a backdrop,” she says with a smile. Despite occasional hostility from male drivers, she remains undeterred. “I like being on the road and not having to answer to anybody. I control my truck, enjoy making decisions, and being my own boss.”
The SPAR Group’s commitment to empowering women like Sindile extends beyond employment. SPAR provides extensive support, including customized security systems in vehicles, policies that prioritise safety, and regular training in defensive driving techniques. Sindile is especially appreciative of the education funding SPAR offers for employees’ children, ensuring that her family benefits from her dedication.
Sindile’s aspirations for the future align with The SPAR Group’s vision of empowerment. “I would like to become a driving instructor at SPAR,” she says, eager to pass on her skills and experience to the next generation of women drivers.
The SPAR Group in Southern Africa is proud to employ 18 women truck drivers, says Mpudi Maubane, National Communications, PR & Sponsorship Manager. “Empowering women is a core value at SPAR. We are committed to providing opportunities for women to explore their potential in a traditionally male-dominated industry and build meaningful careers, which is especially important in a country facing a skills shortage. Overlooking women’s talents means overlooking 51% of South Africa’s population.”
“Empowering women like Sindile is about more than just workplace equality. It’s about reinforcing SPAR’s commitment to family, community upliftment, and inclusivity. When our women succeed, their families thrive, and their communities grow stronger,” Maubane continues. “Through our targeted interventions, sponsorship programmes, and active support for women’s causes, we remain dedicated to promoting the vital role of women in our society. Transformation is not just a corporate goal; it’s a national imperative that benefits all South Africans.”