“There is no such thing as a job for men only”- Sharon, Reach Truck Driver, Centurion
Sharon Tshidino, Reach Truck Driver at the FLM Centurion Grocery DC joined us in October 2021. She had been trained as a Reach Truck Driver in her previous job. She says, “I never thought I would one day drive a machine like that. I was given an opportunity and I grabbed it, and although it was not easy, I managed very well”.
Sharon says she enjoys pulling stock from the pick faces, especially from the very top and doing what men are doing. “I believe being a woman does make a difference because men were starting to be relaxed and they now have competition. At first, my male colleagues were all surprised, asking me questions like what motivated me to do this type of job and I said I was sure that I can drive. They had a lot to say”.
I would advise any woman out there thinking of doing something different to go for it. – Funi, Reach Truck Driver
Safety and being very careful when operating or driving the machine is the most important part of her job. Her advice to other women is, “there is no such thing as a job for men only. You can become whoever you want to become as long as you believe in yourself. When opportunities come your way, grab them with two hands, even if it’s not your field of work. You never know…. one day it might become your bread and butter!” concludes Sharon.
Mufunwaini Magonono, known as Funi, is a Reach Truck Driver at the FLM Centurion Grocery Distribution Centre and became one by accident. “I found myself completing a form at an employment agency that was training people and hiring for a grocery warehouse. The trainer convinced me that the machine is simple, and that’s where I started training,” explains Funi.
She says being one of the only women amongst men doing the job at most of her previous jobs has been quite challenging.
“I really enjoy being part of the super employees though. In the DCs, reach truck drivers are highly-rated and called ‘super employees’. I would advise any woman out there thinking of doing something different to go for it. There is no such thing as a man’s job. Ladies can perform the same function as men,” concludes Funi.
