THE SOUTH AFRICAN NETWORK FOR WOMEN IN TRANSPORT (SANWIT) 

Introduction

The South African Network for Women in Transport (SANWIT) is an association of women who support the idea of strengthening the role of women in transport. This network is aimed at recruiting women or women groups as members and co-ordinate them into the SANWIT umbrella body.   

Why SANWIT was established

One of the main goals of SANWIT is to facilitate regional networking among women on critical issues in transport for development. The establishment of SANWIT is a reaction to the fact that women entrepreneurs within the transport sector continuously face a wide array of obstacles and barriers in their business operations. The SANWIT concept will promote collaboration and coalition building among women entrepreneurs for policy advocacy and action, which recognizes and support women’s contribution in transportation development. 

SANWIT Vision

“SANWIT will champion and articulate the aspirations and socio-economic development of women in transport.’’ 

SANWIT Mission

SANWIT is a national network organization that facilitates and monitors the socio-economic advancement of women and their positive impact on the country’s economy.  SANWIT supports the success and growth of women-owned and managed enterprises by ensuring their access to relevant resources and support. 

SANWIT Objectives

1)   Encouraging women to enter and succeed in the transport industry through:

  • Facilitating enterprise development;
  • Networking and supporting women for success and growth -

Ø      Negotiating on behalf of members for wealth generation;

Ø    Lobbying and advocating for a policy environment that will support and enable the sustainability of women enterprises.

2)  Adding to the body of knowledge and guiding best practices through research and development on women related issues;

3)     Empowerment, training and skills transfer;

4)     Providing coaching and mentorship;

5)     Providing a central reference point of publications and experiences;

6)     Raising awareness of the different components of transport within the aviation, maritime, road and rail transport sectors.  

Progress made

The Director-General of Transport, Ms Mpumi Mpofu, presided over the Seminar for Women in Transport held at Gallagher Estate from 24 to 25 October 2007.

On 25 October 2007, a SANWIT Interim Executive Committee was elected from among women who volunteered to serve on this body.

The task of the committee is to facilitate the establishment of the provincial SANWIT chapters and preparing for the AGM, to be held during 2008. 

The Limpopo province launched the SANWIT Chapter on 10 December 2007 and preparations are being made to launch other provincial SANWIT chapters. 

Joining SANWIT

Any South African women entrepreneur within the transport sector or interested in becoming involved in the transport sector as well as groupings or organizations whose members are women entrepreneurs can join SANWIT.

To access the membership application form, click on “SANWIT Membership Form” elsewhere on this web page. Fax the completed form, together with proof of payment into the SANWIT account, to 086 602 5906.

To check your SANWIT membership number, phone either Ruth Mashaba at (012) 309 3273 or Marleen Ronald at (012) 309 3403 after a week of faxing through your application form and deposit slip.

Once you have been issued with a membership number, you will be a bona fide member of SANWIT.

Individual membership is R100.00 per annum, while groups / associations / organisations will pay R1,000.00 per annum.

Please note that no person will be mandated to collect monies on behalf of SANWIT. 

Contact details

The SANWIT offices are located in office number 6009, Forum Building, Corner of Bosman and Struben Streets, Pretoria.

Acting Chairperson:
Ms Verlene Manuel
Landline: (011) 855 1209

Deputy Chairperson:
Ms Busi Kwinana
Landline: (011) 403 4674

For more information, contact: