On any given day, you’ll find Nosihle Mohunu, 29, wrangling a massive 22-wheeler through the hustle of South African roads like she was born to do it. While most truck stops are still filled with male drivers, Nosihle’s making it clear that women are not just passengers in this industry — they’re behind the wheel, leading the way.
Hailing from Keate’s Drift in KwaZulu-Natal and now based in Hazelmere, Nosihle’s rise in the trucking world didn’t come easy, but it’s nothing short of inspiring. After working as a floor manager in retail, she decided to chase the roar of engines instead of sales targets. She earned her Code 14 licence and took a leap into Shoprite’s driver training programme. The rest, as they say, is history.
Three years later, she’s hauled freight across provinces and even borders, notching up over 1,200 km on a single trip. Long hours, tough schedules, and early mornings are all part of the game — but Nosihle handles it with grit, grace, and a playlist to keep the vibe alive. “Music is therapy,” she says. “That, and a good batch of chicken wings when I’m on the road!”
Read | Code 14 Driver Learnership Opportunity in Johannesburg – Apply Now
Her TikTok videos — showing life behind the wheel, some cheerful dances, and raw glimpses of the journey — have made her a hit online. But Nosihle keeps her focus clear. When a video of her driving past her hometown went viral, even brand deals came knocking. She turned most down. “No distractions,” she says. “I’m building something real here.”
It’s not always easy balancing work and motherhood. She’s got two little ones at home and leans heavily on her own mother for support. “Some people judge, but I’m providing for my kids. That’s what matters,” she says.
And she’s not alone anymore. Other women from her community, once unsure about her choice, are now following in her tyre tracks, earning their own licences and stepping up. Nosihle’s showing them the way — and Shoprite deserves credit for opening doors through its training and inclusion efforts.
Nosihle’s big dream? To start mentoring and training more women from rural areas. “We belong in this industry too,” she says. And the message she leaves young women with is loud and clear: “We’re not here to tick boxes. We’re here to get the job done — and we’re damn good at it.”
To pursue a career as a truck driver, apply to the Shoprite Group’s Truck Driver learnership programme.
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