There’s no missing Zureena Samuels on South Africa’s highways. At 30, the petite and stunning trucker from Bonteheuwel has turned heads not just for her striking looks but for the sheer skill with which she commands her 22-wheel beast of a truck.
Samuels has been blazing trails in the trucking world for over 12 years, a journey she began when she earned her Code 14 license at just 18. Speaking to IOL, she shared her pride in mastering a job many thought wasn’t for women. “I was drawn to the skill and the challenges, like reversing a full combination weighing over 50 tons. I had to prove myself to earn a place in the industry.”
Despite early scepticism, Zureena has carved out her place on the road, navigating both the massive machine she drives and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Her love for trucking was inspired by her father and brothers, who she watched with admiration growing up.
But it hasn’t been an easy road. Samuels recalls the doubts and dangers she faced, from negative comments early on to the safety concerns of being a female truck driver. “Most truck stops aren’t safe for women, and hijackings are always a fear. But my faith and instincts keep me going.”
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For Zureena, the rewards of life on the road outweigh the challenges. “What better way to get paid to drive scenic routes, face exciting challenges, and meet new people? It’s like being a paid tourist!” she laughs.
From the bustling highways of Limpopo to unforgettable trips through Kruger National Park – where a giraffe once poked its head into her cab – Samuels has seen it all. Her journey even taught her how to fix her truck during breakdowns, proving she’s as tough as the machine she drives.
Off the road, Samuels is a single mom to her six-year-old daughter, who’s her biggest motivation. “The hardest part is leaving her behind, but I want to show her women can conquer anything. She even wants to be a trucker someday!”
As one of the few women in the industry, Zureena hopes for more changes to make the field more inclusive. Her advice to aspiring female truckers is clear: “Build a support network, find a good driving school, and stay true to yourself. Dedication and determination will take you far.”
Beautiful, bold, and unstoppable, Zureena Samuels is a true queen of the road, proving every day that women can handle the beast and beauty of the trucking life.
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