RFA initiative puts driver training in the spotlight

KEVIN MAYHEW A COMPLETE overhaul of driver training and standards for competency must be addressed as a matter of urgency if the South African road freight industry is to meet the economic demands of the future and address the carnage on our roads caused by a lack of experience and poor vehicle maintenance. This was one of the issues raised by the Road Freight Association (RFA) at a recent workshop convened to find ways of promoting the competency of drivers in the future. Problems relating to the level of truck driver competency on the roads and issues like illiteracy and the lack of life skills had to be addressed as a matter of urgency through dedicated education, said the RFA. To attract the new generation the professional driver must be seen as a worthwhile career path of long term choice and not something to do because it pays better or there are no other jobs. The RFA further recommended that a database of competent drivers be developed as a resource for members. It was also agreed to source total support for the proposed RFA Training Academy from within the freight industry. The academy will be run by the RFA in partnership with strategic key stakeholders such as the Department of Transport, Transport Sector Education and Training Authority (TETA) and business. Getting other SADC countries to embrace the ambitions of the initiative, including offering the Academy’s services to these countries, will be explored. A working committee of key stakeholders from the meeting has been established to drive the process and meet monthly to set up and implement this driver development programme nationally, the RFA added.