Lucile Staat

Lucille Staat is a driven woman who has entered the male dominated transport and mining industries and is making waves

Lucile Staat is a businesswoman par excellence; she has worked her way up to the top. She has worked at different media houses where she equipped herself with diverse skills. She is into commodity trading, mining as well as the trucking business. She is also a presenter and public relations of promotions company, Golden Stripe Media and Events.
Tell us about yourself.

I was born and bred in Mpumalanga. I am God-fearing; I love my husband and I’m blessed with two kids. I moved to Bloemfontein 15 years ago to pursue a career in communication and when I was given a chance, I grabbed it with both hands and never looked back.

How did you break into the male dominated mining industry?
I saw an opportunity and grabbed it, but I must say, I was lucky enough to befriend someone who introduced me to the industry and I made good use of his contacts and networks.

What is commodity trading?
It is a process where one buys and sells coal, manganese, and other commodities. You’ve got to have hair in your teeth though. It is not a walk in the park, hence I thank God for my support structure as there are sleepless nights and days in the industry, especially when you are hands-on.

What challenges do you normally encounter?
It is a predominantly male industry, but if you know the industry well you will excel. Honestly though there’s lot of things happening in this business; there are illegal deals that one needs to be discerning enough to spot. Hence you need some documentation in order for deals to be regarded as legit. The document is a letter of intent that you use for transportation of commodities. In this industry you get to learn fast because there are lots of fraudulent deals; it’s a risky business.

Let’s dwell on the transport business; what is your view on toll gates?
It is regulated, we don’t have a choice.

What is your view on women’s participation in the transport industry?
It is very limited; to an extent that you might describe it as virtually non-existent. There is a lot of room for women to grow in the transport sector. There are lots of brick walls, but you can break through them depending on how driven you are and how badly you want to succeed in life. There are opportunities for women.

Do you have HIV awareness programmes for your employees?
We have counselling sessions that they attend and they have their medical check-ups. It is a requisite, especially if you are transporting for big companies like Eskom. There’s a certain requirement that you have to meet. Drivers need to have proof that they have taken the tests when they travel; they also get tested and counselled.

What challenges do you encounter at the borders?
I don’t do borders; it is too risky. I do national only. There are people doing borders, though. We all know there’s money when you go abroad, but I think it is too risky; that’s why I am not doing it.

Does government have programmes aimed at enabling women to enter the industry?
All fair and well, they have lots of initiatives, but when it comes to the actual implementation – especially when you’re business-driven and you go to certain places and ask for a loan – people ask you for figures and bank statements, of which it’s impossible when you have just established the business. I was lucky enough to find someone who helped me, though.

How much does one truck cost?
Trucks are different and so are their prices.

What are the requirements for entering into the trucking industry?
Basically, in transport it’s better to have your own trucks, especially when you are only a new entrant. You use others to subcontract, but getting finance is a challenge.

For someone who wants to venture into the transportation business, what advice can you give them?
Research, familiarise yourself with the industry. It’s not for everyone; it’s a cut-throat industry which is very dirty. It might look all glamorous, but there’s lot of things happening out there, risky things. Then there are those responsibilities that will keep you awake at night.