Tembisa scholar driver wins big for keeping children safe on the road

In the community of Tembisa, where parents rely on scholar transport to get their children safely to school, one man has become both a trusted guardian and a local hero: Walter Mphuthi.

Recognised at the Discovery Safe Journeys to School Awards, a partnership between Discovery and Afrika Tikkun, Mphuthi was honoured for his exceptional driving behaviour, care, and consistency at the awards ceremony held at The Forum The Campus in Sandton on November 15.

He claimed Quarter One and Quarter Two victories and secured runner-up for Quarter Three, placing him among the Johannesburg-based top-performing scholar drivers.

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Overflowing with joy, he described the moment. “My feelings today are over the moon. I was not expecting this, but I knew that I’m a winner.”

Mphuthi transports children from Tembisa to Bonaero Park, using his own CRR 16+ vehicle.

HIs job, however, does not end with getting children from A to B; he makes their journey memorable.

Almost every quarter, we go to McDonald’s and other places. On Fridays, we call it ice cream day,” he said.

To celebrate his award win, he’s planning a special outing with the children he is transporting. “They like to swim, and they haven’t gone swimming in a while. I’m going to take them for swimming before the schools close.”

During the awards ceremony, Andronica Mabuya, Discovery’s Head of Corporate Social Investments, emphasised the heartbeat of the programme drivers like Mphuthi.

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“Our drivers are true heroes and champions of safety. While we support the programme in the background, you are at the heart and core of it, ensuring children are transported safely every day.”

Mabuya said Mphuthi’s contribution forms part of a national success story. “Our record of zero fatalities since day one is a powerful reminder of the impact committed drivers make.”

She added that the programme reflects Discovery’s deep commitment to improving lives. “This is not a compliance exercise; it is rooted in our purpose to protect lives and ensure that every child’s journey to school is safe, dignified, and full of opportunity.”

Afrika Tikkun CEO Marc Lubner celebrated Mphuthi and his peers, calling their influence on young people profound and often underestimated.

“I wonder if you understand just how important a role you play. You influence the mindsets and futures of the children you transport, not just by what you say, but by what they see you do.

“Many of you look after children as if they were your own. That is the Ubuntu Madiba spoke about.”

Lubner also stressed that the combination of technology, training and human care is what makes the programme special.
“Technology can never replace the human element. It is your attitude that brings about change.”

Mphuthi received R9 000 across the award quarters, a reward he plans to invest back into his work, buying new car tyres.

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