David Mashiane, a truck driver at Specialised Freight | Fuel & Gas at Imperial Logistics Africa, has scooped top honours in the 2022 #ThankYouTrucker competition. Luticia Smith from ACT Logistics came second, with Jeffrey Maja from the GEO Group placing third.
“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,” said Mashiane. “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.”
A passionate heavy goods driver who has experience in transporting dangerous goods in a number of countries across Africa, David has maintained an excellent driver’s score card. Since the Drivers score card was introduced at the company a few years ago, David has been receiving above 90% + score every month, with his best score being 98.50%. He has been accident and incident free for the last seven years and serves as a role-model to other drivers. While on the road, David recently saved a little child’s life in Zimbabwe – thanks to his clear thinking, pro-active assessment and defensive driving skills.
Commenting on David’s win, Mark Rylance, Executive Vice President: Road Freight at Imperial’s Logistics Africa business, said: “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.”
Luticia Smith from ACT Logistics was delighted with her second place in the competition. This brave lady continues to excel in her work – despite battling with breast cancer, requiring intense chemotherapy and an urgent mastectomy. “Truck driving is not easy work, but I love the work that I do,” she says.
“Nothing stops our Luticia,” says Nicolene Kruger, HR Manager at ACT Logistics. “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!”
Third-placed Jeffrey Maja from GeoGroup has overcome incredible obstacles to achieve success. Despite coming from a disadvantaged background, Jeffrey worked his way up the company ranks and now holds both a code 10 and code 14 driver’s licence. Delighted at coming in the top three of the competition, Jeffrey said: “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”.
Deon Bothma, Marketing Manager for the GeoGroup added: “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.”
“Our country’s drivers have incredible stories to tell – and these heartwarming stories demonstrate this,” commented Leanne Sebastian, Communication and Brand Specialist at IVECO SA. “Truck driving is a profession which is often overlooked, unrecognised and unappreciated. Through the #ThankYouTrucker competition we aim to change this, one story at a time!”
“The RFA congratulates all the winners of this year’s competition,” added Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association. “Our truck drivers keep the wheels of our economy turning: we salute their efforts, particularly in these very challenging and disruptive times!”
An initiative of IVECO SA and the Road Freight Association, #ThankYouTrucker recognises, celebrates and rewards the most extraordinary freight driver, a remarkable individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty. This driver is helpful, trustworthy, dependable, caring and passionate about his/her career in trucking.
