Hail the Highway Heroes: Part One
n the world of trucking, where long hours and immense responsibility often go unnoticed, recognition is a rare and precious gift. The Hollard Highway Heroes programme seeks to change this narrative by celebrating the outstanding contributions of South Africa’s finest truck and bus drivers.
At the ninth annual Hollard Highway Heroes awards, held recently at Hollard’s campus in Parktown, Johannesburg, drivers who exemplify safe and responsible road behaviour were honoured. Among them, Daniel Jansen from Mossel Bay emerged as the winner in the truck category. Here’s his story.
From carpentry to the open road
“I always wanted to be a truck driver,” says Jansen. Though he started his career in carpentry, he quickly realised his true calling lay on the road. “Since I got my first truck driving job, I’ve enjoyed my work every day. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. You go places you’ve never been, and when you come back, you can tell people about them. In carpentry, you’re just working in one place.”
His truck-driving journey began with determination. “With my first trucking company, I applied for the job when I was still in carpentry. I had my code 10 driver’s licence, and I told the boss straight, ‘Let me work for three months, and if it isn’t working for you, OK.’ At first, he didn’t want to hire me, but eventually, they put me on probation. Within the first month, I got my code 14 licence, and I worked like crazy to show what kind of person I am. After three months, the boss said, ‘You’ll stay in this job.’”
Seventeen years later, Jansen is still thriving in the trucking industry, currently representing Grain Carriers. “I’ve been with them for almost a year now, and I came with many years of experience. This is my first competition, and I am very happy to have won.”
Challenges on the road
Truck driving is no easy task, and his role comes with its share of challenges. “The biggest challenge is that people are always in a rush on the road, and sometimes you see accidents,” he explains. “I’m always looking ahead and staying cautious. In this job, you never know if you’re going to come back home. It’s important to focus and do one thing at a time. You have to concentrate because you don’t have just one site to drop cargo off at.”
For Jansen, safety is paramount. “Every morning before I leave my house, I pray. You don’t know if you’ll come back. I keep my following distance at least three car lengths. A big tanker can’t just stop. If cars try to cut in front of me, I just release the accelerator and let them go. Be alert. Don’t rush. Braking isn’t an instant thing, especially with a full tanker.”
Technology and support
Modern technology has become an essential tool in Jansen’s work. “Technology plays a big role. There is a lot of electronic technology in trucks now, and I like these new trucks. I’m driving a Volvo FH440, and you can see what’s going on the dashboard. It’s very helpful.”
He credits Grain Carriers for fostering a culture of safety and professionalism. “I just do everything to the best of my ability. This competition was the first time I heard about Hollard Highway Heroes, and from my side, it’s a very good thing. Next year, I think a lot of drivers should enter.”
Advice for aspiring drivers
Jansen’s advice to fellow drivers is simple yet profound. “If you go on the road, never rush. That’s how incidents and accidents happen. Always look around you to see what’s going on. Try not to think just for yourself; think for other road users too. If you go out, try to come home safely to your family.”
Well-deserved reward
Winning the Hollard Highway Heroes competition has been a life-changing experience for Jansen. “I was really excited to win. I didn’t expect it, but thanks to the Lord, I did. Now I can do some of the things I’ve wanted to do, like finish building my home in Mossel Bay and spoil my wife. I’ll put the rest away for the future.”
Looking ahead, he plans to continue his career until around the age of 55. “After that, most guys move into office roles. You can’t be doing this job when you’re old. For now, I’m taking every day as it comes.”
Jansen’s story highlights the dedication and resilience required to excel in the trucking industry. But he’s not the only one making a difference on South Africa’s roads. Don’t miss part two of this series next week, where we meet Tholo Levy Manamela, the winner of the Hollard Highway Heroes bus category. Stay tuned to learn about his incredible journey and contributions to road safety.
