Truck'Her' Zureena Samuels navigating roads in the trucking industry

There’s something uniquely captivating about Zureena Samuels as she steers her 19-ton truck across winding roads and endless highways.

Petite in stature, Samuels, 30, from Bonteheuwel, may look delicate, but don’t let her beauty fool you—she handles the giant truck with ease, maneuvering the massive vehicle as if it were a toy.

She’s been a part of the truck queen world for over a decade, and while the road is often tough, Samuels wouldn't have it any other way.

“I’ve been driving at a very young age but obtained my Code 14 at 18 years old, so I've been legally driving for over 12 years now,” Samuels explained, her voice steady but full of pride.

“I was drawn to the skill and also the challenges faced every day, like reversing a truck. The whole combination weighs 19 tons.”

It's not a job for everyone, but Samuels natural connection to the road and the mechanics of her truck has fuelled her passion.

“My father and brothers were my biggest inspiration in this industry,” she shared. “I basically grew up watching them do what they do best.”

But when she first began, the road ahead was not always smooth.

“I faced a lot of challenges in the beginning, mostly with negative comments, and back then most people believed it wasn’t a place for women,” Samuels recalled.

“But I built confidence and developed my skill. I had to prove myself, basically, in order to get a job in the industry.”

In those early years, the only training she needed was discipline and a solid understanding of the road. “Not much training was required other than knowing the road and discipline on the road,” she says. “All it took me was to get my Code 14 license, and I was good to go.”

Of course, no job is without its challenges, and for Samuels, safety on the road is a constant concern.

“My biggest challenge was safety on the road,” she admitted. “Most truck stops aren’t considered safe for women, and there was always the constant fear of hijacking or irresponsible road users.”

It’s an issue that still lingers, but Samuels remains firm in her faith, trusting in her instincts and her prayers for safety.

Despite the challenges, Samuels passion for the job never wavers.

“What better way to get paid while driving scenic routes, facing fun challenges every day, meeting new people, and seeing new things?” she laughed. “It’s like getting paid to be a tourist”

She’s driven all over, from the bustling roads of Limpopo to the quiet stretches of isolated highways, and while she’s faced mechanical breakdowns and long, lonely trips, nothing compares to the thrill of the journey.

“One of my most memorable experiences was driving through Kruger National Park with my truck,” she said. “There were wild animals all around me, and a giraffe literally stuck its head into my cab. Best memory I have.”

But perhaps the experience that taught her the most was a five-day trip with an older truck that broke down in the middle of nowhere.

“I had to fix it myself just to get to my destination,” she explained. “That trip taught me a lot—not just about trucks, but about being a truckher.”

Samuels said while her journey hasn’t always been easy, it's made her tougher, more confident, and more aware of her surroundings. “It toughened me up, gave me confidence, and helped me recognize my capabilities.”

One of the biggest motivations driving her is her six-year-old daughter. As a single mother, Samuels knows how hard it is to balance the demands of the road and the love for her little girl.

“The most difficult part of this job is leaving my baby girl behind, but then again, she’s also my biggest motivation. I want to show her that women can conquer anything; she even wants to be a trucker!”

Being one of the few women in a male-dominated field, Samuels said she is hoping for more change above the already changing industry.

“The industry was designed just for men, but with so many women on board now, a lot has changed. I’m hoping a lot more will change as we still face difficulties daily.”

However, Samuels credits the support of her colleagues as one of the reasons she’s made it this far.

“My colleagues are very supportive. I think because they know how tough it is. They always try to guide me where they can, and I love advice and criticism—it helps me grow,” she says.

While there’s still work to be done, Samuels remains hopeful for a truckqueen industry with more women on the road.

Her advice for women wanting to join the industry is simple but powerful: “Build a support network, find a reputable driving school, and stay true to who you are. Trust the whole process. It takes dedication and determination.”

Samuels journey as a trucker is far from over and has no intention of slowing down. “I enjoy everything about this job,” she said. “It’s my passion. The road, the people, the challenges—it never gets old.”