Two Unitrans drivers from Alrode, Alberton, have been celebrated among South Africa’s top professional drivers at the 2025 IVECO #ThankYouTrucker Awards.

Mavis Ndumo took first place nationally, while Dennis Hlatshwayo earned third, highlighting not only technical skill but the dedication and resilience behind every journey.

Mavis Ndumo: Strength, purpose and a passion for the road

For Mavis, driving is more than a job – it’s a calling shaped by discipline, resilience and pride.

As a tanker driver in the TotalEnergies Alrode fleet, she has safely delivered over 3.6 million litres in the past six months, completed more than 100 trips without incident, and maintained 181 injury-free days.
Her journey hasn’t been easy.

Mavis has survived hijackings, faced profound personal loss, and raised her children as a single mother while excelling professionally.

“What I enjoy most about my job is the freedom of the open road and knowing that the work we do helps keep South Africa moving.

“There is a real sense of responsibility in this role, and I’m proud to carry it. Unitrans prioritises safety and professionalism, and being part of this family means a lot,” she says.

Ndumo is also passionate about empowering women in the transport industry.

“We are capable, strong and disciplined. If you love driving and you’re willing to learn, there’s a place for you. Go for it. Don’t let fear stop you,” she urges.

Her next goal is to become a driver trainer and inspire more women to thrive behind the wheel.

She has already completed all training courses and has been appointed Master Driver for Total Alrode operations.

Dennis Hlatshwayo: 18 years of excellence and reliability

Dennis Hlatshwayo, now in his 18th year at Unitrans, is admired for his humility, consistency and commitment to safety.

In the past six months, he has completed 228 loads and travelled 54,900 incident-free kilometres, maintaining 181 injury-free days.

“To be a great driver, you need experience, safety, respect and time management,” Hlatshwayo says.

“Always focus on safety, learn from every load and build strong relationships with colleagues.”

Recognition from IVECO is meaningful to Hlatshwayo.

“It encourages me to keep pushing for excellence. Unitrans has supported me for 18 years and trusted me with big responsibilities. I’m proud to contribute to their reputation for reliability.”

A people-first safety culture

Ndumo and Hlatshwayo’s achievements reflect Unitrans’ long-standing safety culture, recognised through IVECO, Hollard Highway Heroes, MasterDrive and multiple SHEQ awards.

“Rigorous driver training, advanced telematics and strict SHEQ standards reinforce a culture where safety is a daily practice, driven by people who care.

Everyday heroes who keep the country moving

For Unitrans, these awards highlight the real drivers of growth: the people who deliver safely, consistently and with integrity.

Ndumo and Hlatshwayo embody this ethos, ensuring reliability for customers, stability for industries and progress for communities.

The #ThankYouTrucker competition elevates standards across SA’s road-freight sector.

“Drivers like Mavis and Dennis demonstrate the discipline, skill and safety-first mindset that keep our industry moving,” said Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association.

“At IVECO, every safe journey strengthens SA’s logistics backbone.

“Mavis and Dennis show what excellence looks like: professionalism, responsibility and genuine care for everyone on the road,” said Martin Liebenberg, MD of IVECO South Africa.