Two remarkable women at the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) are carving unique paths through the male-dominated terrain of heavy-duty vehicle operation. Sabelo (Busi) Thabede and Naomi Mamabolo’s tenacity and refusal to bow to societal norms have shattered stereotypes and positioned them as trailblazing heavy-duty vehicle operators within the Roads Resurfacing Depot (RSD). As they navigate these robust machines, they contribute significantly to the JRA’s ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of the City’s thoroughfares.
With an illustrious decade of service under her belt, Thabede, a general worker from RSD, commands the pneumatic roller with precision, a testament to her prowess and resilience.
Thabede acknowledges that the colossal machinery—such as the pneumatic roller, paver, steel drum, and TLB—has often been designated as the realm of male colleagues.
However, this ingrained perception only fuels her determination to excel, serving as an inspiration for her fellow female counterparts.
“I believe that it does seem impossible until it is done by somebody else. I was incredibly young when I arrived at the JRA, and one of the questions I posed on my first day of duty was whether women were allowed to drive the heavy vehicles. I was intrigued by the environment and didn’t want to limit myself,” she explains.
Guided by her team leader’s counsel, Thabede started on the journey to become a driver, fortified by her possession of a code 10 driver’s license and a Professional Driving Permit (PDP).
Today, she boasts both a certificate and a card, attesting to her full mastery over these behemoths on wheels.
Thabede’s narrative echoes her exceptional experience, one that dismantles barriers and defies conventions.
“In my line of work, one comes across people from various backgrounds, especially from rural areas, and seeing a woman behind the wheel is an experience for them.”
The well-documented trials faced by women in male-dominated realms, ranging from gender bias to harassment, are undeniable, she notes.
“We are all familiar with the many ways in which women are mostly treated in male-dominated environments. This can often be a hindrance for women in advancing their careers, but I am happy to report that the JRA has afforded me this opportunity, and I chose to accept it. My hope is for more women to seize the opportunities that transcend conventional boundaries,” she urges.
Enter Naomi Mamabolo, another emblematic figure, steering the asphalt paver as an integral part of the road resurfacing process.
Mamabolo’s journey commenced as a site clerk, recording data pertaining to tractors and asphalt-bearing trucks.
Her meticulous oversight included monitoring daily asphalt usage and distance covered.
Two years into her tenure, Mamabolo’s trajectory ascended as she assumed the driver’s seat of the asphalt paver.
A commendable feat, her devotion to the craft has not waned, even after an impressive 15-year tenure.
While the JRA’s executive echelons still reflect a need for heightened female representation, the municipal entity unequivocally recognises and appreciates the invaluable contributions of women.
Esther Schmidt, the JRA’s Operations Manager for Traffic Engineering, who has graced the agency’s corridors for 18 years, extends words of encouragement to her fellow female colleagues.
“By embracing traditionally male-dominated roles, women are enriching the engineering environment with diverse perspectives, unique creativity, and innovative solutions. Let us celebrate and encourage women as they fearlessly take on challenges, shatter stereotypes, and lead the way towards a more inclusive and dynamic work environment at the JRA,” notes Schmidt.
Written by Thembile Gule
31/08/2023