The United National Transport Union (UNTU) is proud to announce that Sylvia Siyo, a loyal unionist for the past seven years and the acting Ship Repair Manager in the Ship Repair Precinct in the Port of Durban, won the Women in Transport Award last night at the Durban International Convention Centre.
“UNTU is overjoyed that Siyo was given recognition for excelling within the mainly male transport industry. Transport is the heartbeat of Africa’s economic growth and social development. The Union believes that this award encourages diversity in leadership and will motivate Siyo to continue on her prosperous ladder to the top of Transnet,” says Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU.
Siyo was nominated for the award by her colleagues at Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and was one of five finalist.
“It came to me as a big surprise when I was announced the winner. It is a great honour after a career of 16 years in various divisions of Transnet,” says Siyo.
As the Deputy Dockyard Manager at TNPA’s Workshop 24 Siyo is used to being the only lady in the workshop or in meetings.
“The Transport industry have always been a man’s world. You have to walk the walk and talk the talk and show the men that you have been appointed on merit. To do that you have to remain on top of your game,” says Siyo.
The mother of two children started with her apprenticeship as a diesel electric fitter at 19 and worked her way up the ladder.
Issued on behalf of UNTU by Sonja Carstens, Media and Liaison Officer. For UNTU Press Releases e-mail sonja@untu.co.za or phone 082 463 6806.
