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Local truck drivers receive awards

Thank You Trucker's main aim is to recognise the expertise of outstanding truck drivers who go above and beyond the call of duty in their daily activities.

Kempton Park truck driver Nkosinathi Peaceman Chiliza recently scooped third place in the IVECO Thank You Trucker Awards.

Chiliza from the ACT Logistics in Kempton Park secured R5 000 along with his award.

The top award winner for the ceremony was Cynthia Noneka Thala as a bulk vehicle operator (BVO).

The drivers were nominated by the company owners, operations managers, direct line managers or fleet managers.

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Only South African drivers in the local road freight industry may be nominated.

In addition to the cash prizes handed to the three winners, this year an additional award of R10 000 was allocated to the individual who nominated the winner.

“I feel abundantly blessed and I also feel the love of God is with me always. I will never stop believing in Him; He is a miracle maker. Thank you IVECO for making things happen,” said Thala.

The 40-year-old said her fascination with the trucking industry began when she was employed as a bus driver.

Despite discouragement from friends who thought being a BVO was unconventiona” for a woman, she was determined to follow her dream.

In 2020, she was named BVO of the year.

Thala, who is described as vibrant and charismatic by those who know her, plans to co-own a trucking company.

To that end, she will use her R50 000 prize to pursue her national certificate in professional driving, which she expects to finish by the end of 2023.

The course is designed to further the understanding of the trucking business among women.

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Thala’s operations supervisor, Samuel Makgoba, lauded the mother of three as one of the finest BVOs who executes her duties with precision and unwavering commitment.

Her track record includes:

• Delivering 11.4 million litres without incident, with zero crossovers and spills

• Completing 855 trips and 952 drops

• Achieving 651 days without injury, ensuring her personal safety

• Maintaining 651 days without violating life-saving rules

“Thala has dedicated four years of her life to her position at Unitrans and she is well-versed in her responsibilities and duties as a driver.”

Makgoba said while she possesses robust administrative skills, it is also obvious how much she loves and enjoys her job.

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The Thank You Trucker campaign, in partnership with the Road Freight Association (RFA), was launched three years ago.

Its aim is to recognise the expertise of outstanding truck drivers who go above and beyond the call of duty in their daily activities.

Iveco’s product marketing manager Elvis Mutseura said the annual award is aimed at paying tribute to those truckers who keep the country’s logistics industry moving, raising awareness about the important contribution the drivers make, and providing motivation for those who want to follow a career in the industry.

“The truck drivers carry a great deal of responsibility, not just in making sure deliveries remain profitable and are delivered timeously, but also in terms of road safety,” said Mutseura.

“Any incentive that leads to responsible behaviour in trucker performance will have many unseen consumer benefits,” said Gavin Kelly, CEO of the RFA,

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