Volvo Trucks South Africa has donated a new FH440 truck-tractor unit to the Commercial Training Academy (CTA), strengthening its commitment to empowering women through professional truck driver development programmes.
Since 2019, Volvo Trucks’ Iron Women initiative has trained 556 women to become fully qualified truck drivers. The current intake includes 14 women enrolled in a 12‑month programme covering vehicle operation, load management, business principles, and EyeGym training for advanced brain, eye, and hand coordination.
Despite progress, the transport sector remains male‑dominated. While logistics contributes around 6.5% to employment creation in South Africa, women account for only 22% of the workforce.
“Women represent a largely untapped talent pool, and since the inception of Iron Women, we have seen more fleets actively recruiting female drivers,” said Onica Ndlovu, Director Commercial Offer at Volvo Trucks South Africa. “Female truck drivers serve as visible role models in communities where girls are still steered away from technical or physical careers. It shifts perceptions for employers, communities, and the next generation of girls watching.”
Research and fleet operator feedback highlight that female drivers often have fewer accidents, handle cargo with greater care, and maintain stronger communication with dispatch and clients.
“Women drivers have proven to be extremely resilient. They are not afraid to work hard, often under tough conditions and long hours, to transport loads safely and efficiently,” added Ndlovu. “For women, truck driving represents a path to financial independence that bypasses traditional qualification barriers. Representation matters. For the trucking industry to thrive, especially in South Africa, where logistics infrastructure is critical, it cannot afford to ignore half the population.”
Nicci Scott, Founder and Director of CTA, has long championed the inclusion of women in trucking.
“We believe in creating social upliftment for talented women by closing the gap through quality training and practical experience,” said Scott. “This is more than a training initiative; it is a strategic talent pipeline. Women drivers don’t just fill a seat, they bring rigour, resilience, and a commitment to excellence that adds measurable value to a fleet’s bottom line.”
Scott emphasised that the best drivers combine technical precision with mental fortitude.
“The support from a company of Volvo Trucks’ calibre is vital. Training on industry‑spec equipment ensures women are prepared for the realities of modern logistics. Access to advanced vehicles builds confidence and technical mastery, enabling graduates to hit the ground running as high‑performing assets for any fleet.”