Behind the wheel of a tanker truck is a woman whose journey has been shaped by sacrifice, perseverance and purpose – pushing boundaries and turning setbacks into opportunities.
When Mavis Ndumo sets off on another journey in her tanker truck, she does so with the confidence of someone who has weathered storms most people could never imagine.
She has survived hijackings. She has endured personal loss.
She has spent countless hours away from home, raising her children through phone calls while building a career in one of the most male-dominated industries in the country.
She has also faced doubt, prejudice and fear.
Yet today, she stands tall as South Africa’s top professional truck driver, having won first place nationally at the 2025 IVECO #ThankYouTrucker Awards. But long before the accolades, Mavis was simply a young girl growing up in Eswatini with big dreams and a determination to build a better life.
Humble beginnings
Mavis grew up in a large family with seven sisters and five brothers. Life was simple, and resources were often limited, but the lessons she learned there would become the foundation of her success.
‘I grew up in a humble environment where hard work, respect and perseverance were important values.” The household was busy, filled with siblings and responsibilities.
From a young age, she learned that nothing came easily. ‘I grew up in an environment where you had to work hard for everything you wanted. It taught me discipline, responsibility and independence.’ Looking back, she believes those early years prepared her for the challenges that lay ahead.
‘Life was not always easy, but those experiences taught me resilience from a young age. Growing up helped shape me into a strong and determined woman who never gives up.’ As a child, Mavis never dreamed of becoming a truck driver.
‘I always dreamt of building a better life for myself and my family. I didn’t imagine becoming a truck driver.’
Little did she know that one day she would not only become a truck driver but one of the most respected drivers in South Africa
A mother’s sacrifice
If there is one role Mavis treasures above all others, it is being a mother. She is the proud mother of two children, a son and a daughter, who have been her greatest motivation throughout her journey.
She describes her children as her biggest inspiration, yet as a single mother, the journey was far from easy. Road freight does not operate on a typical eight-to-five schedule. Long-distance trips mean long periods away from home, missed family moments and countless hours on the road.
One of Mavis’s most honest reflections about motherhood captures just how difficult those years were. ‘I was raising them through my cellphone because I was always away from them due to my work.’
Behind those words lies the reality faced by many working mothers, the guilt of absence, the pressure to provide and the determination to ensure their children have opportunities they never had.
Despite the challenges, she never lost sight of her purpose. ‘Balancing motherhood and a demanding career has not always been easy, but it taught me strength and patience.’
Her children became the reason she kept going when life became overwhelming. Whenever she faced obstacles, she reminded herself of the future she was working to create for them.
Entering a man’s world
Mavis entered the transport industry looking for stability and opportunity. What started as a practical decision soon became a passion.
‘Over time, I developed a real passion for the industry, yet entering the industry was not without challenges.’ Truck driving has traditionally been viewed as a man’s profession, and women often face scepticism before they even have the opportunity to prove themselves.
But every time uncertainty crept in, she returned to the reason she started. ‘I always reminded myself why I started, and I stayed committed. I wanted to prove something important, not just for myself, but for women everywhere. I believe passion, professionalism and skill matter more than gender.’
Courage under pressure
Life on the road can be unpredictable. For Mavis, some of the most difficult moments came when she experienced hijackings – incidents which left a lasting impact.
‘Those experiences are traumatic and life changing.’ Rather than allowing fear to define her future, she used those experiences as lessons. ‘Personally, they taught me to value life and stay alert at all times.’
The incidents reinforced her commitment to safety, something that now guides every aspect of her work. ‘A typical day starts with vehicle inspections and safety checks before I begin my trip. I make sure the truck, tanker and equipment are all roadworthy and compliant.
‘Safety always comes first for me. I believe in following procedures, staying alert, respecting road rules and never taking shortcuts. I am a firm believer in defensive driving. My safety and the safety of others on the road are very important.’
More than just a job
Ask Mavis what she enjoys most about her work, and the answer comes easily. ‘I enjoy being on the road, meeting different people and knowing that I play an important role in keeping businesses and communities moving.’
The job gives her purpose. Every delivery contributes to industries, communities and livelihoods across South Africa. But there is another source of pride. ‘I also enjoy proving that women can succeed in this industry.’
She has completed all her driver training courses and has been appointed a master driver within her operation, an achievement that mirrors years of dedication and commitment to safety.
Recognition for years of sacrifice
When Mavis was announced as the winner of the 2025 IVECO #ThankYouTrucker Award, it was a moment that represented far more than professional recognition. ‘It means a lot to me because it represents years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication.’
The award validated a journey filled with obstacles and perseverance. ‘It is not only recognition for me as a truck driver, but also for every woman working hard in the transport industry. ‘Being recognised as South Africa’s top professional truck driver was emotional. It was a proud moment. It reminded me that hard work and perseverance do pay off.’
Yet when she reflects on her greatest achievement, she does not immediately think of awards – she thinks about endurance. ‘I am proud of never giving up. Being able to support my family, build a successful career and now be recognised nationally is something I am truly grateful for.’
Paving the way for women
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, Mavis hopes her story will encourage other women to challenge limitations and pursue opportunities that may seem out of reach.
‘It’s important to me because many women are capable but sometimes doubt themselves or feel discouraged from entering male-dominated industries.’
She believes one of the biggest barriers women face is being underestimated. But she also believes those barriers can be broken.
“These challenges can be overcome through training, confidence, professionalism and support from companies and mentors who believe in equality.”
Her message to young women is powerful in its simplicity. ‘Believe in yourself, stay disciplined and never allow fear or other people’s opinions to stop you.’
The road ahead
Although she has already achieved national recognition, Mavis believes her journey is far from over. Her next ambition is to become a driver trainer and mentor.
‘What excites me most is the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with others. I want to help develop safer, more professional drivers while opening doors for women entering the industry
‘In the next few years, I see myself growing into a leadership and training role within the transport industry, inspiring others.’
A message to her younger self
If she could sit down with the young girl from Eswatini who once dreamed of a better life, Mavis knows exactly what she would say.
‘Never give up and never doubt your strength. Every challenge will eventually shape you into a stronger and wiser person.
It is advice she has lived by throughout her life. Her story is proof that humble beginnings do not determine a person’s destination.
Through determination, discipline, faith and courage, Mavis transformed challenges into stepping stones and with every kilometre she travels, she continues to show women across South Africa that there are no limits to what they can achieve when they believe in themselves.
Photo: BOOGS PHOTOGRAPH. Text: AZUSAKHE LIMBA
