Noluthando Yoli’s life story is a testament to the power of unwavering determination, resilience, and an unshakable belief in one’s ability to achieve anything, regardless of the challenges faced.
Born and raised in Peddie, Eastern Cape, Noluthando’s path from humble beginnings to becoming a triple road train driver at Kalahari AutoForce is truly inspirational.
Growing up in a large family, she imbibed the values of hard work and perseverance from an early age.
Noluthando attended Emfundweni High School in her village, but after matriculating, she knew that her dreams exceeded the boundaries of her small hometown.
With an indomitable spirit, she relocated to Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha, in search of opportunities.
She initially found herself in the security industry, a means to make ends meet, but her true passion had been simmering within her for years.
Day and night, she watched trucks pass by, feeling deep in her heart that she was destined to be behind the wheel of those massive rigs.
Despite numerous obstacles and rejections, Noluthando saved up to obtain her Code 14 license and embarked on the uncertain journey of job hunting.
Companies tested her, doubting her abilities solely because of her gender.
Nevertheless, her determination remained unshaken, and she refused to let anything stand in the way of her dreams.
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In 2019, after what felt like an eternity of perseverance, Noluthando’s dream came true when she secured her first job as a side-tipper truck driver at Sekhukhune Logistics.
She consistently proved her capabilities, earning recognition within the industry.
Noluthando’s journey was far from easy.
She faced long-distance trips that kept her away from her children for days at a time, encountered treacherous roads, and mastered the art of changing flat tyres herself.
Her unwavering determination and skill led her to the point where she could change a tyre ‘with her eyes closed’.
In 2022, she joined Kalahari AutoForce in Port Elizabeth, where she now drives a MAN truck, pulling a three-trailer road train.
When asked about her journey, Noluthando humbly shared these words of wisdom: “I am deeply grateful to AutoForce Transport for entrusting me with their trucks. I am now a road train driver. Life’s lesson is simple: you can become anything you desire, just trust in God, believe in yourself, and embrace the journey.”
Noluthando Yoli is not just a truck driver; she is a trailblazer, breaking barriers and paving the way for other women aspiring to enter the male-dominated world of trucking.
Her story resonates as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with determination, passion, and unwavering faith, anyone can conquer adversity and achieve their loftiest dreams.
Noluthando’s experiences continue to inspire both women and men to reach for the stars and shatter the glass ceilings that stand in their way.
Her journey reminds us that dreams are attainable when pursued with relentless determination and a strong belief in oneself.
Watch her back up the road train in this short video:
