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Flora Fadzai Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
POPULARLY known as Sotsha by her colleagues in the transport industry, Bulawayo-based kombi driver, Ms Chasisani Ncube (28) has defied the odds by venturing into an industry which has for years been a preserve for men.
From a young age, Ms Ncube, a mother of three, has always wanted to be a driver.
Not only does she drive a kombi, she operates on the city’s busy roads, most of which have become notorious for road traffic accidents due to reckless driving synonymous with kombi drivers during peak hours.
Ms Ncube is determined to make a lasting mark for herself from her unique exploits. She is proud of her job and considers herself the best driver on her route. Just like her male counterparts, Ms Ncube who operates a kombi under the Tshova
Mubaiwa banner wakes up early in the morning to prepare for her daily routine.
However, unlike male drivers, Ms Ncube, a married woman, has to juggle the responsibilities of family life and a full-time job as a kombi driver. Before leaving her home, she has to first clean the house and prepare a warm breakfast for the family.
“When I was growing up, I loved playing with my brothers such that my father noticed it and ended up giving me chores meant for boys. That is why when an opportunity came for me to be employed as a driver, l grabbed it with both hands,” said Ms Ncube.
“I got a job in 2018 to drive a 22-seater bus for a local company. I would drive along rough terrains such as the Tsholotsho and Nkayi roads, which required a lot of patience and special driving skills.”
Ms Ncube said she was the only woman employed at that company.
“Because of the state of the roads, the bus would develop a tyre puncture. Instead of seeking assistance from male passengers, I would get down and change the tyre,” she said.
Ms Ncube’s passion for driving started in 2017 when she was employed as a security guard at a local company.
Last year, she was driving a kombi under the ambit of the Zupco franchise before she left this year to join Tshova Mubaiwa.
“I am employed by someone who owns a kombi under Tshova Mubaiwa. The owner trusted me with his kombi because of my experience. When l first started being a kombi driver other kombi drivers seemed to be fascinated by me, said Ms Ncube.
“Initially, people, especially my male counterparts would watch me with an eagle’s eye to see whether l would be able to handle the heat of being a female kombi driver. However, with time they warmed up to me, and everyone now respects me.”
Ms Ncube said at times she faces ridicule from some male passengers who pass nasty comments but has learnt to ignore them.
“My husband is very supportive and he trusts me so much. There is this negative perception about kombi drivers being reckless and unprincipled, but I don’t believe it applies to everyone,” she said.
Kombis
Ms Ncube said since acquiring her licence in 2017, she has managed to help her husband in terms of financial needs. They have managed to buy their own car, cattle and built a home.
“It is not a difficult industry, it’s like working at a shop. You just need to learn how to toughen up and be strong. I would advise a lot of women to join this industry and smash these gender stereotypes,” she said.
For Ms Ncube, the sky is the limit and she is now working towards getting a class 1 driver’s licence so that she can drive commercial buses and trucks.
Ms Ncube’s conductor Mr Sindiso Ndlovu (35), said at first he was skeptical about working with a female driver but his attitude changed after working with Sotsha.
Online Reporter