Delta Crane’s leading lady: Jenny Van Dam’s legacy in South Africa’s mobile crane sector

Jenny Van Dam shares her journey and early experiences in the crane industry, emphasizing the importance of women in leadership roles and her lifelong commitment to fostering a positive work culture at Delta Crane.

Who build the first crane? Was it an unknown Egyptian engineer working for Pharaoh Rameses in 3000BC? Or was it Heronius of Alexandria a century vbefore the birht of Christ? This is just on of the questions that the world’s first ever history of the crane industry looks to answer. The result is 260 lavishly illustrated pages that chart the rise of this important industry. (The History of Cranes – The Classic Construction Series) Written by Oliver Bachmann / Heinz-Herbert Cohrs / Tim Whiteman / Prof. Alfred Wislicki)

Ever wondered where the interest came from for me as a woman in the crane industry for over three decades. I will give you some history and insight of our business Delta Crane and Plant Hire (PTY) LTD. Have you ever heard of the saying I was destined for this line of work. Well, my destiny or future as the oldest and also the daughter of an over protective father was just that. Groomed from an early age and taught by my late father Johannes Stephanus Olivier or as everyone else known him as Maljan, Oliekan or just Jan. I’ve been doing hourly control of personnel and wages from the age of 16.

Staying on a farm with not much to do after school and no friends living nearby, brothers in hostel and my baby sister living with my mother. Construction was my pre-school, Site work my primary school and my secondary years – Cranes. Cranes is in my veins. The rest as they say.... is history.

Shareholder and Managing Director of DELTA CRANE AND PLANT HIRE (Pty) Ltd - 2004 With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, as the leading lady in construction and mobile cranes in South Africa I have excelled as the owner and Managing Director of Delta Crane and Plant Hire, a premier mobile crane company from inception. My visionary leadership has steered the company to new heights of success in the industry. At Delta Crane and Plant Hire (PTY) LTD we make sure that we supply the right equipment to tackle any job safely.

With close to 300 employees, I strive to lead in the mobile crane business as a woman. By breaking barriers and excelling in a traditionally male dominated industry, not only showcasing skills but also paving the way for other women to follow suit. Bringing diversity and fresh perspectives, enriching the industry with unique insights and expertise. Through my leadership and contributions, I have inspired change and demonstrated that gender is no barrier to success in construction and the mobile crane industry. My journey serves as a beacon of empowerment and encouragement for women in the field.

Impact on Future Generations: Jenny aims to inspire young women to pursue careers in fields traditionally seen as inaccessible, fostering a more inclusive workforce. Delta Crane is a force to be reckoned with. Client Service is their motto. A hands-on service delivery at all times by the professional staff of Delta Crane and Plant Hire has made them a leader in the Crane Industry.

Delta Crane & Plant Hire,

+27 (0) 16 971 1101,

jenny@deltacrane.co.za,

www.deltacrane.co.za