REVEALED: SA’s best truck driver!

It’s official: Nimrod Maseko from Maphanga Logistics in Mpumalanga is South Africa’s best truck driver. We can make this statement because he has been voted the winner of the #ThankYouTrucker Competition!

An initiative of Iveco SA and the Road Freight Association, #ThankYouTrucker recognises, celebrates and rewards the most extraordinary freight driver, a remarkable individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty. The rules stipulate that the winning driver should be helpful, trustworthy, dependable, caring and passionate about his/her career in trucking – and Maseko more than fits the bill.

One of the oldest truck drivers at Maphanga Logistics, he has encountered many challenges in his life. He was nominated for the accolade by Jabulile Mtsweni, logistics coordinator at Maphanga Logistics, who explains: “Despite being illiterate, Nimrod 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. When presentations are conducted regarding safety standard operating procedures, he adheres to the regulations and never fails to report any defects of the truck, which may easily cause road accidents or near misses.

“Above all, when his truck has a breakdown, he willingly jumps into his ‘mechanical mode’ to help the mechanics with the diagnosis or repair that may be necessary. He is a man who always shows high regard for management and motivates his colleagues at sites to check their paperwork for underloads/overloads.”

Mtsweni says Maseko is an asset to the company. “He makes logistics such a seamless function within the supply chain. This year, he has already been selected as our driver of the month twice. He is a role model, who encourages his colleagues to be punctual at work because he says that he understands that his salary is only generated ‘when the wheels are turning’. He feels proud at the end of each month when the company pays him, and he is able to do what any father would want to do for his family.”

Maseko is obviously over the moon at his win. “I am super-excited to have won the #ThankYouTrucker competition. I am very thankful to all my colleagues and the management of Maphanga Logistics for their belief in me,” he tells FOCUS.

Matthew Moonsamy from Imperial Contract Logistics (KwaZulu-Natal) took second place in the #ThankYouTrucker Competition, with Audrey Chiloane from the Zosi Group (in Gauteng) placing third.

Martin Liebenberg, commercial manager of Iveco SA, has only good things to say about the drivers. “Iveco SA congratulates all the nominated drivers and thanks all the nominating fleets for helping to recognise the important role played by drivers in moving the economy and ensuring that goods are delivered where they are needed. Special congratulations go to Nimrod Maseko and all the finalists on their excellent achievements,” he says.

According to Liebenberg, support from the trucking industry and the public for #ThankYouTrucker was overwhelming. “It is fantastic to see the support and recognition of truck drivers growing given the challenges they face constantly, which the recent unrest brought into stark relief.”

The FOCUS team would also like to extend its hearty congratulations to Maseko, Moonsamy and Chiloane. Our industry needs more drivers like you!