Hail the Highway Heroes: Part Two
Celebrating South Africa’s best drivers, the Hollard Highway Heroes programme shines a spotlight on those who keep our roads safe. Last week, we introduced Daniel Jansen, winner of the truck category in the most recent competition. This week, we turn our attention to Tholo Levy Manamela from the Larimar Group, who triumphed in the bus category.
Hail the Highway Heroes: Part Two
Celebrating South Africa’s best drivers, the Hollard Highway Heroes programme shines a spotlight on those who keep our roads safe. Last week, we introduced Daniel Jansen, winner of the truck category in the most recent competition. This week, we turn our attention to Tholo Levy Manamela from the Larimar Group, who triumphed in the bus category.
The honour of being a Hollard Highway Hero
For Manamela, being recognised as a Hollard Highway Hero is both a personal and professional milestone. “Entering this competition, I was motivated to give it my all by the encouragement of my co-workers. Not only them, but my wife and children always remind me to do my best every single day I go to work,” he shares. “Being a Hollard Highway Hero makes me proud of the work I do alongside my colleagues, ensuring people arrive safely and on time, while also considering the wellbeing of other road users.”
Lifelong passion for driving
His journey to the Larimar Group began with a family legacy. “Growing up, I always dreamt of driving big vehicles like buses. This passion might have been inspired by our family taxi business. I became one of their taxi drivers before deciding to go further and learn how to drive buses,” he recalls. “In 2010, I applied for a job at the Larimar Group, which isn’t too far from where I live in Soshanguve.” Since then, his commitment to excellence has only grown.
Driving a bus requires sharp focus and unwavering discipline. “Driving buses is a huge responsibility, and the Larimar Group doesn’t take that lightly. They ensure we attend refresher courses regularly to keep up with the training that allows us to do our work properly,” says Manamela. “The training reminds us to prioritise the safety of passengers and other road users at all times.”
To remain calm in high-pressure situations, he relies on his training. “We are taught about the importance of patience,” he explains. “People driving smaller cars often don’t understand what it takes to keep such big wheels on course, so we must remain patient and focused.”
Pre-trip inspections and road safety
Safety is a cornerstone of Manamela’s approach to his work. “Every day, before I start my trips, I conduct a pre-trip inspection to ensure the bus is roadworthy and compliant,” he says. “If there’s anything that might affect the vehicle on the road, I report it immediately.”
Reflecting on the importance of his role, Manamela shares a perspective that shapes his dedication. “As a driver, you are carrying lives that mean so much to others. You might have parents or breadwinners on your bus, and these people need to arrive alive to continue providing for their families. If I’m negligent on the road, it could affect not just the 85 passengers on board, but also thousands of people who depend on them.”
Support from Larimar Group
Manamela attributes much of his success to the support he receives from the Larimar Group. “What I appreciate most is their emphasis on discipline. Drivers must align with the company’s guidelines,” he explains. “They are also very supportive. If you have a performance issue, they send you for training until you get it right.”
Feedback from passengers motivates Manamela to maintain high safety standards. “Hearing passengers’ thoughts on my driving is something I look forward to,” he says. “There’s no better feeling than arriving at a destination and having someone say they wished the trip could go on because they enjoyed the ride so much. It’s not an easy job, so when people recognise your efforts, it feels incredibly rewarding.”
Balancing efficiency and safety
Efficiency is essential in a profession that demands adherence to schedules, but for Manamela, safety always comes first. “It’s important to remember that the rules of the road matter more than rushing to meet a schedule,” he explains. “If passengers need to get somewhere sooner, they should take an earlier bus. My priority is ensuring everyone gets to their destination safely.”
Plans for the prize money
For Manamela, winning the Hollard Highway Heroes competition has meant a better education for his child. “Part of me didn’t think I’d win, but I’m glad I did,” he says. “With the prize money, I plan to put it towards my son’s education. He’s in matric, and this will help him further his studies. The rest will go towards other family responsibilities.”
Manamela hopes his success will inspire others. “Winning this award shows the importance of never settling. Always look for ways to improve yourself and do your work with excellence. Be like a Hollard Highway Hero,” he concludes. That sounds like great advice!
