“I strongly believe my action today makes my tomorrow better,” says recently appointed KwaZulu-Natal Transport Officer, Ester Hlaki. After completing her matric in 2007, Hlaki studied human resources at Esayidi FET College but unfortunately could not complete the course.

She was recruited to WOF at Kokstad Base in the Eastern Cape in 2010.

“In 2013 I got the exciting opportunity to become a Type 3 dispatcher in KZN which was quite challenging,” she says.

After learning the ropes, Hlaki became one of the top dispatchers and got the opportunity to assist with the Cape Town fires of 2014. “I feel my experience as a Type 3 dispatcher prepared me for my current position. I have been working with drivers, regional managers and base partners with regard to call takes and transport paperwork,” says Hlaki.

She feels grateful and honoured to play such a big role and is looking forward to new challenges as the first female Transport Officer in the province.

“Faith and perseverance is what has kept me going and it’s what I would advise my colleagues to always have. Also remember that you can’t get anywhere without discipline,” she says.

When asked what motivates her Hlaki says, “I am motivated by meeting set targets within deadlines, as it gives me a sense of accomplishment. It’s something that I can look back on and say ‘I achieved that.”