From Security Guard to Presidential Driver: Happyness's Inspiring Journey

Imagine going to work one day, expecting your usual routine, only to find yourself behind the wheel with your country's President as your passenger! That's exactly what happened to Happyness Alphonce, a dedicated bus driver in Dar es Salaam.

Happyness usually navigates the bustling Mbagala route in one of the city's rapid transit buses. But August 7, 2026, became a date she'll never forget. She was one of five drivers selected for a truly special assignment: to drive President Samia Suluhu Hassan to the launch of the second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT II) project.

The day before, Happyness got a call from her boss asking her to come in early. Five drivers were chosen – three women and two men – for an important event involving the President. Two buses were sent ahead, and three, including Happyness's, waited at the Water Front station to welcome the presidential motorcade.

A Moment of Pure Joy and Nerves

When the presidential officials arrived, they asked Happyness's boss to pick a driver. He confidently told them he trusted all his drivers and suggested they choose. To her delight, the bus Happyness was driving was selected and given a special number. “I thank God,” she shared, feeling incredibly fortunate and seeing it as a sign that her dream of becoming a successful, prominent driver was starting to come true.

When President Samia boarded her bus around 10 AM, Happyness was overcome with a mix of joy and excitement. She felt like crying and even wanted to hug the President, but being at the wheel, she focused on her task, silently praying for courage. It was an incredibly special moment, especially since she had never met the President face-to-face before.

The drive itself was smooth. Happyness carefully followed the pace of the motorcade, her focus unwavering. After dropping the President off at Mtoni kwa Aziz Ally, she waited while the launching ceremony took place, feeling a unique sense of temporary honor as the President's driver. Afterward, President Samia boarded the bus again, and Happyness drove her to the main Mbagala rapid transit station. There, she even got a chance to take a photo with the President, who held her hand and encouraged her to continue her excellent work.

From Security Gate to Driving Dreams

The news spread like wildfire! Happyness's phone buzzed nonstop with congratulatory calls and messages from family and friends who were thrilled to see her driving the President. She was especially keen to tell her mother, who had always supported her driving ambitions, even though her mother doesn't have a smartphone to see the news.

Happyness’s journey to becoming a driver began in 2015 while she was working as a security guard at a cement factory. Watching women drive large cement trucks internationally sparked a question in her mind: “Why not me?” Despite earning only about $100 a month and having family responsibilities, including caring for her child, she started saving bit by bit. She scrimped, saved, and eventually managed to pay for driving lessons, proving that determination can overcome financial hurdles.

Now, Happyness dreams of one day becoming a driver for the State House or for other high-ranking national leaders. She encourages all women with similar dreams not to give up, to fight for their goals, make sacrifices, and educate themselves, even if they don't have external support. Her story is a beautiful reminder that dedication and perseverance can open doors to incredible opportunities.