Women 100% in the driving seat
Train drivers aim to rise to the top in rail sector
It was very challenging because you have to get 100% for practicals. One percent less and you have failed Refiloe Kekana GRADUATE TRAIN DRIVER
Phakama Mbatsana is changing the perspective of women in the rail services industry.
The 37-year-old mother of two has realised her dream of becoming a train driver summa cum laude (highest distinction). Mbatsana started off as a customer care agent at Metrorail in 2003.
“I am blessed to be driving such a powerful machine and being responsible for thousands of lives,” she said.
Mbatsana, from Soshanguve in Tshwane, was one of 15 women who recently graduated at Park Station in Johannesburg after completing a gruelling 18month training course that is not offered at any college or university in South Africa.
“I was lucky enough to be trained by a female driver. She taught me so much and I can’t wait to apply it in my career.”
Mbatsana said some of the challenges she faced in the industry were that she was undermined because of her gender.
She said that she did not give up on her dream because she wanted to set a good example for her daughters.
“I am praying for them to become the best in whatever they choose to do,” said Mbatsana.
She said she wanted to continue rising within the company to eventually become the CEO.
Another graduate, Refiloe Kekana, 34, started working for Metrorail as a metro guard in 2007, before applying to become a train driver. “It was very challenging because you have to get 100% for practical examinations. One percent less and you have failed,” she said.
The mother of two, born in GaRankuwa, also in Tshwane, said women have started to dominate the rail services industry and this has been instrumental in her believing in her abilities.
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa CEO Martha Ngoye said there was a shortage of train drivers and there were commitments in place to accept more trainees.