David Mashiane, a truck driver at Imperial Logistics Africa, scooped top honours in the 2022 #ThankYouTrucker competition.
Luticia Smith from ACT Logistics came second, while Jeffrey Maja from the GeoGroup took third place.
An initiative of IVECO SA and the Road Freight Association, #ThankYouTrucker celebrates and rewards the most extraordinary freight driver who goes beyond the call of duty and is helpful, trustworthy, dependable, caring and passionate about his/her career in trucking.
Mashiane, who works in the specialised freight/fuel & gas division of Imperial Logistics Africa, said the competition showed that truck drivers were appreciated.
“It is our responsibility as drivers to ensure that people are safe on the roads, and competitions such as these inspire us and encourage us to make sure that we do so to the best of our ability,” Mashiane said.
“These competitions show us that we are valued. I would like to thank my manager Edward Hoffman and our HSSE officer Belinda van der Merwe, who nominated me, for their support – it really means a lot. I would also like to thank my colleagues, friends and my community, and especially my supportive wife – I could not do this job without this support system,” Mashiane said.
A heavy goods driver who has experience in transporting dangerous goods in several countries across Africa, Mashiane has maintained an excellent driver’s scorecard. Since the scorecard was introduced at the company a few years ago, he has received a score of above 90% every month, with his best score hitting 98.50%.
He has been accident and incident free for the last seven years and serves as a role model to other drivers. He recently saved a child’s life in Zimbabwe, thanks to his clear thinking, proactive assessment, and defensive driving skills.
Mark Rylance, executive vice president: road freight at Imperial’s Logistics Africa, congratulated Mashiane for his win.
“Warm and heartfelt congratulations to David Mashiane for winning the 2022 #ThankYouTrucker competition. David is a great example to other drivers – his exceptional safety record and his commitment to excellence in serving our clients are a true reflection of everything that Imperial strives to achieve. We are very proud of David and wish him all the best with his career aspirations,” he said.
Smith was delighted to achieve second place in the competition. She has excelled despite battling breast cancer which required intense chemotherapy and an urgent mastectomy.
“Truck driving is not easy work, but I love the work that I do,” Smith said.
HR manager at ACT Logistics, Nicolene Kruger, said: “Nothing stops our Luticia. She is a firecracker of a driver. She evokes smiles and friendliness everywhere she goes. She’s a legend, going the extra mile and doing her work with professionalism and finesse.”
Maja has overcome huge obstacles to achieve success. Despite coming from a disadvantaged background, Maja worked his way up the company ranks and now holds both a code 10 and code 14 driver's licence.
“My mother and my wife were so excited about the news. I really appreciate GeoGroup and the opportunities they have given me. I am always happy at work; my employer is really supportive,” Maja said.
GeoGroup marketing manager Deon Bothma said: “Jeffrey has been with the group since 2007 and has proven to be such an asset. He is hard-working, dedicated, committed and absolutely reliable. His potential was recognised early on and he continues to grow and thrive in the company.”
IVECO SA communication and brand specialist Leanne Sebastian said truck driving was a profession that was often overlooked, unrecognised and unappreciated.
“Through the #ThankYouTrucker competition we aim to change this, one story at a time,” she said.
Road Freight Association CEO Gavin Kelly congratulated the winners.
“Our truck drivers keep the wheels of our economy turning. We salute their efforts, particularly in these very challenging and disruptive times,” he said.
