By Kwetsima Manganyi 
 
Gauteng MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela hosted a session with women leaders in the transport sector in the province. The meeting took place at the Department’s Head Office on Tuesday, 30 April 2024 in Johannesburg. The gathering aimed to foster active dialogue amongst women in the transport sector, delving into available opportunities and challenges.
 
It further sought to engage on issues ranging from the revival and expansion of the role of women within the sector. This session enabled women to raise issues affecting them, to identify their interests and work together in confronting matters facing them. It further afforded them the opportunity to help and learn from each another, grow their businesses and grooming future young women leaders.
 
In her address, MEC Diale-Tlabela highlighted the need for the creation of an office to assist and protect women who inherit businesses from their spouses, helping them get the requisite skills and training. She added a women empowerment fund be established to assist in agitating for protecting and defending their interests before they are exploited by others. 

The MEC also urged them to operate their businesses legally, following all laws and regulations. 
 
MEC Diale-Tlabela further promised the introduction of training programmes to enhance their business and leadership skills as part of the Department’s plans. She also highlighted interventions targeting young people and women to improve the lives of residents during the 2023/2024 financial year. These included: 

National Youth Service (NYS) – employing over 350 young people
Scholar patrol project employed over 500 military veterans to address issues related to overcrowding in scholar transport
6000 young people were recruited as part of NasiIspani Project- to participate in routine road maintenance programme
Through the internship programme, a total of155 graduates were placed in various units for experiential training and exposure to the world of work;.
Over 15 000 EPWP beneficiaries were appointed. 
Through a partnership with Diageo, the Department launched a campaign "Wrong Side of the Road" aimed at assisting young people, from townships, informal settlements and hostels, with administrative fees to secure learners’ licenses
Launched SaferStops in collaboration with the business sector.
 
GEYODI’s coordinator, Dr Shumani Mulaudzi added the launch of SaferStops was designed to meet the needs of commercial truck drivers, providing wellness services and related skills targeted at women drivers who also travel longer distances.