It’s time to say #ThankYouTrucker
It’s time to say #ThankYouTrucker
Truck drivers are the lifeblood of the economy and the guardians of the road. They deliver the essentials that sustain our lives – from food to medicine to raw materials – often traversing difficult terrain and weathering countless challenges. Yet, as CHARLEEN CLARKE reports, their efforts go largely unnoticed…
The #ThankYouTrucker campaign, an initiative by Iveco and the Road Freight Association (RFA), aims to change this by recognising, rewarding, and raising awareness of the indispensable role truckers play in our society.
According to Elvis Mutseura, product marketing manager at Iveco South Africa, the individuals recognised by the campaign are far more than drivers; they are the backbone of commerce and the unsung heroes of countless everyday stories.
“Beyond their professional duties, truckers are compassionate, resourceful, and driven by a deep sense of duty to others. This initiative brings their stories to light, honouring their humanity, resilience, and extraordinary contributions to society,” he notes.
Guardian angel on the N3
This was very much on show in September this year, when heavy snowfall trapped motorists along South Africa’s N3 highway for over 12 hours. It was in this chaos that truck driver Miriam Mzangaza became a lifeline for stranded travellers. Armed with her own groceries, resourcefulness and a compassionate heart, she stepped up in a way that touched lives and inspired countless others.
“I was travelling from Johannesburg to Durban,” recalls Mzangaza. “I didn’t realise the weather would turn so bad. Luckily, before I left Johannesburg, I went to the shops and did my monthly grocery shop. This turned out to be really fortuitous! Sometimes God shows you something is coming,” she reflects.
As most South Africans will recall, masses of snow fell and the road was soon covered in a blanket of white. “Small cars were sliding dangerously. We all just had to park and wait it out,” Mzangaza recalls. Despite the freezing conditions, she turned her truck into a beacon of hope, offering food and hot drinks.
Initially, people approached her and asked if they could buy food or water. “I told them I would not sell to them. I would give to them,” she tells FOCUS.
At one stage, Mzangaza worried that she would run out of water. “But then I looked at my windscreen, and I saw the snow and ice melting as the interior of my truck heated up. This gave me an idea: I would boil snow to create water!” she says. “My plan worked extremely well and it was great for peace of mind. I knew that no matter how long we were going to be stuck, we would all be okay – because we had water which, as we all know, is life.”
Her heroic actions went viral on social media, with motorists cheering and hooting their gratitude whenever they pass her truck. Not surprisingly, she is known as “Masigwede”. The name is often used as a term of endearment or respect. The exact meaning can vary depending on the context, but it typically conveys notions of being a wise elder, caretaker, or someone with profound knowledge or responsibility. In the case of Mzangaza, “Masigwede” reflects her nurturing and motherly disposition, suggesting she is regarded as a figure of care, wisdom, and leadership within her community and by those she helps.
Her actions stand as a testament to the best of humanity and exemplify the spirit of #ThankYouTrucker. “Learn to share,” she urges. “The experience taught me that compassion and unity are what make us strong.”
PICTURED ABOVE: The 2023 #ThankYouTrucker winner, Cynthia Thala of Unitrans, used her winnings to support an orphaned child in her care. 2021 winner Nimrod Maseko is always ready to jump into mechanical mode to help the mechanics with any truck diagnosis or repair necessary.
Shining examples of everyday heroism
Mzangaza is not the only truck driver who has performed heroic actions out on the road or in the community. Winner of the second #ThankYouTrucker award, David Mashiane also exemplifies the generous spirit that defines so many truckers. Instead of using his prize money for personal gain, he chose to invest it in his community, demonstrating the profound sense of responsibility that many drivers feel toward those around them.
The 2023 #ThankYouTrucker winner, Cynthia Thala of Unitrans, used her winnings to support an orphaned child in her care. “Her actions remind us that truckers are not just professionals; they are caregivers, mentors, and pillars of their communities,” notes Mutseura.
Then there is Gerhardus “Pikkie” Klaase of Koegelenberg Transport BK, who came second in the #ThankYouTrucker competition last year. As a single father and caregiver to his mother, Klaase embodies resilience. On Christmas Eve, he encountered an elderly couple stranded on the road. Going above and beyond, he ensured they were safe, offering warmth and comfort in their time of need. “His story is a powerful reminder of how truckers’ generosity can create moments of magic even in the toughest circumstances,” notes Mutseura.
Ezekiel Kutumela, a driver at Nyampulu Logistics – who was nominated for the 2024 #ThankYouTrucker award – is yet another trucker with a big heart; he has made a habit of helping others. On one delivery route through Limpopo, he encountered a family stranded without food and water. Without hesitation, he shared his supplies, kept them company, and facilitated the help they needed. “Every delivery is more than just a job,” Kutumela reflects. “It’s a chance to connect and make a difference.”
Global examples of great truckers
The heroism of truckers is not confined to South Africa. Around the globe, they have shown unparalleled courage and humanity. Sirizani Butau, for example, saved eight people from a burning bus in Zimbabwe, sustaining severe burns himself. His bravery earned him Zimbabwe’s Gold Cross. Earlier this year, Michael Sleep pulled a 70-year-old woman from a fiery car crash in Australia, risking his own safety to save her life.
In the US, Ryan Myrick prevented a disaster on a Colorado highway by using his truck to stop an out-of-control car with an unconscious woman at the wheel, while Andrew Waits of Tacoma, Washington, provided life-saving assistance to a motorcyclist who had been thrown from their bike on a busy highway. Waits stopped his truck, directed traffic to ensure safety, and provided critical first aid until emergency services arrived.
In May 2024, an unnamed truck driver in Guangdong Province, China, acted heroically when a section of highway collapsed. Recognising the danger, he parked his truck across the road to block traffic, preventing further vehicles from plunging into the chasm and saving numerous lives. In June 2023, Timothy VanNostrand used his logging truck to block the escape route of a suspect involved in a shootout with a New York State Trooper in the US. His quick thinking contained the threat, protecting law enforcement officers and the public.
Tadeusz Wilk is another truck driver who has risked his life, saving a family from a burning car on a motorway in Poland. Pulling over when he saw flames, he smashed a window to free the passengers before the vehicle was engulfed. His bravery earned him widespread recognition in his home country. In 2021, meanwhile, an unnamed Canadian trucker rescued a woman trapped in her car during a snowstorm. With visibility near zero and temperatures plummeting, he used his truck as a shield against the wind and carried her to safety, ensuring she received medical attention in time.
Time for gratitude
These various stories remind us of the incredible contributions truckers make, often putting their own lives on the line to ensure the safety of others. We would do well to keep this in mind and, as Mutseura notes, we should all be grateful to truck drivers.
The contributions of truckers go beyond logistics. They are often the first to offer help when someone is stranded or in need; they are mentors, caregivers, and protectors, frequently sacrificing their own comfort to ensure the well-being of others. Truckers are not just drivers; they are everyday heroes and it’s time we celebrated them for the extraordinary people they are.
Iveco’s admiration for truckers shines through in Mutseura’s call for widespread recognition. “Every trucker has a story of resilience and kindness,” he stresses. “They are the salt of the earth, and it’s our privilege to honour them.”
And that’s precisely what the #ThankYouTrucker campaign is all about. “It is more than just an award; it is a movement to elevate the status of truckers and to inspire a greater appreciation for the sacrifices they make. From Miriam Mzangaza’s kindness in the snow to Gerhardus Klaase’s Christmas miracle, these stories remind us of the extraordinary humanity that truckers bring to our roads. These truck drivers demonstrate that the profession is not just about delivering goods, but also about being everyday heroes who often go above and beyond to assist others in times of need. Their stories inspire admiration and gratitude,” notes Mutseura.
Let us celebrate and support these unsung heroes who keep the wheels of our world turning. Their courage, kindness, and dedication deserve our deepest gratitude – and a heartfelt #ThankYouTrucker.
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