By Nkhensani Mthombeni
Laftonia Matjokotja has been named Limpopo’s Best Female Bus Driver.
The 36-year-old mother of two received the award from Limpopo’s MEC for transport and community safety, Florence Radzilana, at a ceremony at the Park Inn Hotel in Polokwane at the weekend.
“People who say women can’t drive should take a long hard look at themselves,” Laftonia said after winning.
“Women are making strides all over the world. We’re driving trucks and buses in industry, and we’re excelling in the corporate world as well. Those who claim women are bad drivers are motivating us to work even harder.”
Born and raised in Namakgale township outside Phalaborwa, Laftonia entered the transport industry at the age of 24 in 2010, fresh out of college with an N6 marketing qualification.
“A friend told me that Great North Transport was accepting applications for people with computer skills,” she said.
“During the interview, I was surprised when they asked if I could drive a bus. I needed a job, so I said, yes.”
Laftonia enjoyed driving from her very first day of training but admitted there were challenges.
“It was difficult at first. Many people, including my boyfriend at the time, mocked and ridiculed me for driving a bus. He was somehow embarrassed by it.”
Laftonia went on to pursue a three-year road and transport diploma from the University of Johannesburg.
Interestingly, driving buses seems to be a family tradition. Both her brother and her late father, Samuel Matjokotja, were also drivers. Her father, she said, was her biggest supporter.
Laftonia is no stranger to being praised as a great driver. She was also named the province’s Best Female Bus Driver in 2016.
Pictured above: Laftonia Matjokotja receiving her award.
Image source: Supplied
