Metrorail in line with Cele’s passions

By Sibongiseni Thabethe

Since becoming the KZN Minister for Transport, Safety and Security, Mr Bheki Cele has always been passionate about women, wanting to see them performing duties that were reserved for men and topping the ladder of success at different places of work.

Mr Cele’s passion is in line with South African government’s requirement that a minimum of 30% of women should participate in all functions of public service.

One of the industries that seem to have transformed completely in South Africa in terms of race and gender discrimination is the rail industry. Gone are the days when if you saw a train, you knew that it was driven by a white male, usually an Afrikaner.

In honour of the August month dedicated to women of this country, Igalelo spoke to some female train drivers at Metrorail in Durban.

Miss Khosi Mhlungu from Dundee northern KwaZulu-Natal was recruited as Metrorail train driver in 2001 after she had applied for the post as advertised. The minimum requirement for her job is Grade 12 with maths and science.

An outspoken woman who has no problem about being interviewed she says "Some years ago, government introduced the affirmative action policy, which Metrorail has indeed complied with, within a time frame. Occupations that were formerly known to be stringently male only are now open to females as well, where we women perform our tasks with extreme responsibility, positiveness, high morale and determination. As far as language policy is concerned, communication is excellent and professional within the staff, especially women where we are treated equally with respect and dignity".

The unmarried mother of two says being a train driver has challenges as she has to balance between her job that has awkward hours and home work. "I have to look after my kids and always check how they do at school. All this needs a determined and dedicated woman," Ms Mhlungu says since she grew up she was passionate about things that were believed to be for men, hence she did motor mechanic and carpentry before she became interested in train driving.

"As we, the train crew continuously strive to deliver as competently as possible, we would like to see improvement in everything relating to train operation therefore making us the best for 2010 World Cup," she says.

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