Capital Equipment News December 2023

has awarded over R1.4 million in cash and prizes to truck drivers through the Highway Heroes competition. This year, Muhlanga and Gabonewe walked away with cash prizes of more than R200,000 and R100,000, respectively. “We express our gratitude to fleet owners, logistics companies, and drivers for their unwavering support and participation in the competition. Our Highway Heroes have proven that it can be done,” says Paul Dangerfield, Head of Hollard Trucking. Dangerfield acknowledges the substantial growth of the Hollard Highway Heroes competition since its inception. “In its first year, the competition received 220 entries, and in 2023, it attracted 4,264 driver-entrants from 133 fleets. We also expanded the competition to include bus drivers and non-Hollard insured drivers. Reef Tankers, a non Hollard client, became the first to win the Highway Heroes title, and we hope this inspires more non-Hollard clients to participate in the future.” Positive impact This year the competition was open to drivers of all truck and bus fleets. Mega Bus female drivers Thuliswa Ntsimbi and Sipati Melupe, who hail from Welkom in the Free State, were glad to have been allowed to be included in this year’s competition, saying it enabled them to show the world that they are just as capable as their male counterparts. For Ntsimbi (28) and Melupe (33), it was exciting to be rewarded for practising good driving habits, which already form part of their daily routine. The pair became bus drivers by joining the learnership programme offered by Mega Bus, and eventually qualifying to become full-time bus drivers. Both bus drivers said they will continue defying stereotypes and making a difference in the transportation industry. Their words and actions reflect their passion for connecting with people, ensuring their safety and inspiring others to pursue their dreams without any sense of limitation. Road safety is the goal “The true impact of the Highway Heroes competition lies in creating safer roads, which, in turn, paves the way for better futures not only for drivers and fleet owners but for all South Africans,” Dangerfield concludes. Hollard Highway Heroes continues to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes of the road, recognising their immense contributions and inspiring others to prioritise safety and excellence while driving. b

Gobatlamang Gabonewe from Megabus Kuruman (centre) with some of the other finalists in the bus driving category shortly after he was announced as the 2023 winner.

The five finalists in the trucking category.

Tailor-made machines may have a higher initial purchase price, but they often result in long-term cost savings.

Participants were evaluated using telematics, considering factors such as adherence to speed limits, and overall distance covered.

The primary aim of the competition is to raise awareness about the crucial role played by truck and bus drivers.

Hollard has awarded over R1.4 million in cash and prizes to truck drivers through the Highway Heroes competition.

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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS DECEMBER 2023 27