Recognising those all-important people
The Road Freight Association (RFA) has an apt slogan: “Without trucks, South Africa stops.” The same, however, can be said of drivers. After all, without drivers, trucks stop.
In fact, without truck drivers, South Africans would not get food, medicines, furniture…absolutely anything and everything! Truck drivers are also responsible for delivering a wide variety of goods to businesses. You’d be hard-pressed to find an industry that does not – in some way – rely on trucks and truck drivers.
It's time to say thank you
For many drivers, however, it’s a thankless job. They work long hours – sometimes under extremely challenging conditions – without ever being thanked. #ThankYouTrucker aims to change that. As its name suggests, it is there to honour those whose work takes place out of the limelight: the drivers who ensure that goods get to where they need to be, intact and on time.
The initiative, which is run in association with the RFA, aims to celebrate drivers who go above and beyond the call of duty by highlighting their passion, commitment, and dedication to their work.
This is a chance to laud the work of these often unsung heroes. “It is important to recognise the impact of the work these individuals carry out. Truck drivers are key players in supply chains and transport businesses. Not only do they ensure the safe and timeous delivery of goods, but they act as ambassadors for their employers every day,” says Elvis Mutseura, Product Marketing Manager at Iveco SA.
“#ThankYouTrucker is an opportunity for employers of exceptional drivers to acknowledge their contributions, so that together we can say, ‘ThankYouTrucker’,” he continues.
Inspiring stories
Now in its third year, #ThankYouTrucker has already shared a number of inspiring drivers’ stories with the nation.
Last year’s winner of the R50,000 grand prize was David Mashiane, a passionate and experienced heavy goods driver who transports a variety of dangerous goods throughout South Africa and cross-border. Mashiane’s nomination noted that he had been accident and incident free for the previous seven years, while he had scored above 90% on his company’s tracking system driver scorecard every month since it was introduced. His skill in defensive driving, proactive risk assessment, and placing his trust in the vehicle’s safety equipment was also highlighted in an incident where he prevented the death of a small child who ran out into the road in front of his truck.
Mashiane’s nomination was the perfect example of why #ThankYouTruckers matters – an inspiring story about a driver highly respected by his employers, colleagues, and customers.
The story of Luticia Smith, who earned R10,000 for second place in the voting, also inspires. A survivor of breast cancer, Smith continued to work, provoking smiles and friendliness wherever she went. “She’s a legend! She goes the extra mile and does her work with professionalism and finesse,” said the colleague who nominated her. “Luticia is a force of nature; she deserves this!”
Third-placed driver Jeffrey Maja won R5,000. His story is one many South Africans can relate to, having been forced to leave school at 16 to support his mother and siblings. With no experience, Maja began piece work as a gardener until he was given an opportunity by someone who recognised his potential and helped him to get his Code 8 driving license. Maja progressed from there to become a Code 14 truck driver for the GeoGroup and is now one of their top drivers.
Nominate a driver now!
Until 2 September, company owners, operations managers, direct line managers, and fleet managers can nominate their own drivers. Nominees can be exceptionally good at their jobs and/or be passionate people whose caring and dependable attitude motivates others to be and do their best, or whose skills act as an example to others.
Once nominations close, the public will be able to vote for their favourite trucker for 2023 and change that person’s life forever.
To nominate any outstanding drivers from your own company, submit a short motivation on the #ThankYouTrucker website detailing why you think they should be crowned South Africa’s best trucker for 2023!
