The nominations are in and the finalists of South Africa’s first #ThankYouTrucker competition have been announced. Five of the country’s most exceptional truck drivers have been shortlisted for this prestigious award and now it is time for the people to vote for the most exceptional truck driver. The winner will receive R50 000, the runner up R10 000 and the third placed driver R5 000.
The finalists are as follows:
- Audrey Chiloane – Zosi Group (Gauteng)
- Ayanda Mvelase – Crossroads Distribution (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Nimrod Maseko – Maphanga Logistics (Mpumalanga)
- Matthew Moonsamy – Imperial Contract Logistics (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Chris Smit – DRK Logistics (Gauteng)
About our finalists – What their nominators say
Audrey Chiloane – Zosi Group: “In an industry dominated by men, Audrey has always had her ways of standing out. This ranges from her exceptional driving skills as a super-link truck driver, her random acts of kindness to those in need and finally her four year-long clear track record. She never stops defying the odds, she never gives up!”
Ayanda Mvelase – Crossroads Distribution: “Ayanda is our only female driver within the Crossroads group. Not many little girls dream of becoming a truck driver. But for Ayanda, trucker and mother to eight-year-old Lizeka, becoming a truck driver was really all she ever wanted to be as far back as she can remember. Being a woman behind the wheel brings its own challenges, but Ayanda has embodied the essence of good driving with perfect scores in speed, harsh braking, over revving and excessive idling. She has scored an average of 98.04 % on our Driver Behavioural Scorecard.”
Nimrod Maseko – Maphanga Logistics: “Nimrod is the eldest amongst the group of truck drivers in our employ. Despite being illiterate, he always strives to fulfil all daily compliance requirements, such as completing his daily trip-sheet, his pre-inspection sheets and all related paperwork - without fail. He is an asset that makes logistics such a seamless function within the supply chain. This year he has already been selected as our driver of the month twice!”
Matthew Moonsamy – Imperial Contract Logistics: “Matthew started driving for us in 1987. Over the years, he has evolved from a double diff driver to a super-link driver. During 2020 when our depot was hit hard with Covid cases, Matthew was tasked to report for duty early every Monday morning, to issue out vehicle keys and take control of the early country departures. He managed this added duty with no complaints and seeking no additional recognition. With the experience Matthew has gained, he also assists us with planning, by providing us with an oversight of the issues experienced on today’s roads.”
Chris Smit - DRK Logistics (Pty) Ltd: “Chris has a disability. Since the start of his tenure with us, he has been dependable and extra hard working. He pushes through every border and makes each delivery. When he leaves South Africa, he has a truck load of food for the border runners and children along the way. Despite his disability, Chris always has a friendly word of encouragement and a smile on his face. We as able-bodied South Africans can really learn from this man! The quality of his work is excellent and we are extremely blessed to have him on the team!”
How to Vote
Vote for your favourite drivers at www.thankyoutrucker.co.za. Voting closes on 24 July.
An initiative of IVECO SA and the Road Freight Association, #ThankYouTrucker is looking for 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.
ENDS
