At Unitrans, growth is more than a business goal – it’s a personal journey. Few stories embody this spirit more powerfully than that of Mandy Ndlovu, who transformed her life from humble beginnings to become a respected river Training Officer. Her journey is one of resilience, courage, and a deep commitment to uplifting others and it all began with a learnership. 

A New Road Begins 

Mandy’s career didn’t start in logistics. With a background in banking and experience co-owning a driving school with her former husband, she discovered a passion for trucks early on – but life took an unexpected turn. In search of stability and purpose, she was introduced to Unitrans by a contact in the training sector. 

“She told me about a learnership. Although it wasn’t going to be much at the time, I said yes – because I loved driving and I wanted to get more into it,” Mandy recalls. 

Out of a group of 30 learnership candidates, Mandy stood out as the only woman. What could have been a lonely experience became a powerful learning curve – not only behind the wheel, but within herself. 

Learning from the Ground Up 

Mandy’s first exposure to life as a truck driver came with mentorship from experienced drivers who showed her the reality of the road – from managing rest stops to making supper in a truck cab. “Driving school teaches you how to drive, but the real world teaches you how to *live* as a driver,” she says. 

Her early days involved long hours, sleepless nights, and time away from her children. “At times I’d cry while doing night loads, wondering, ‘What am I doing? This is a man’s job. But I knew I had to adapt and keep going,” she says. 

It was during this time that Mandy began to see driving not just as a job, but as a stepping stone. Her creativity, resilience, and ability to connect with others set her apart and soon opened new doors for her within Unitrans.  

Earning Respect – And Passing It On 

Mandy’s dedication and performance led to her first official appointment as a Bulk Vehicle Operator (BVO) – a breakthrough moment that came with the endorsement of a mentor who believed in her potential. 

But Mandy wasn’t done. With her assessor accreditation already in place, she kept her eye on a bigger goal: becoming a trainer. Unitrans’ leadership saw her potential and gave her a vital piece of advice – gain real operational experience first. So Mandy went into the field, contract by contract, growing her understanding of every aspect of logistics operations. 

“I am so grateful that I was guided to go into the field first. You can’t train others if you haven’t walked in their shoes.” 

From Driver Trainer to Training Officer 

Eventually, a driver trainer position opened up on a major petroleum contract. Once again, Mandy was the only woman to apply – and once again, she secured the role. It was here that she began shaping the culture of safety at Unitrans by listening. 

“I learnt that when you truly listen to a driver, they’ll not only explain the problem – they’ll often come up with the solution too. It’s about respect, not authority.” 

Her leadership style – empathetic yet firm – gained traction. She was soon promoted to Training Officer, a role she now thrives in. Every day, Mandy facilitates training sessions, meets new recruits, and creates spaces where drivers feel heard, aligned, and motivated to return home safely. 

“I’m not the middleman. I don’t take the side of the driver or the company. I stand with the facts. If something is right, I say so. If it’s wrong, I say so – respectfully.” 

Enabling Growth for Others 

For Mandy, giving back is part of the job. Her sessions begin with meet-and-greets where she reads the room before launching into the material. “Before I train, I align their spirits.” 

She’s also clear about what has sustained her through tough times: mentorship, resilience, and the understanding that sacrifice often precedes success. “I had to sacrifice my social life, my comfort, even time with my kids. But today, I’m proud of what I’ve built.” 

A Voice that Carries 

As for her role today, she sees it as more than just training. “I believe I am fulfilling my purpose on earth by being a voice – a voice my drivers can hear, learn from, and grow through. That’s the difference.” 

Mandy credits Unitrans for the people and opportunities that shaped her. “Every person I’ve met along the way was there for a reason. I learnt from all of them.” 

A Final Word to Women in Logistics 

Mandy’s message to other women in the logistics sector is simple: respect earns respect. “Working in a male-dominated field isn’t easy. But when you give respect, you get it back.  

At Unitrans, Mandy’s story is more than a success – it’s a symbol of what happens when determination meets opportunity. From learner to leader, she’s not just changing gears, she’s changing lives. 

Interested in more? Learn about the Unitrans driver training programme.