2025 Fleet Safety Awards winners announced

November 14, 2025

South Africa’s road safety record is among the worst in the world, with more than 12,000 fatalities recorded annually according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). The festive season in particular often brings a spike in crashes and fatalities. Against this sobering backdrop, the 2025 Fleet Safety Awards offered a rare and uplifting reminder that many South African transport professionals are actively rewriting this story – one safe kilometre at a time.

Held in Johannesburg, the event honoured the country’s most committed organisations, fleet managers and drivers who make safety their daily priority. The evening recognised excellence not only in compliance, but in culture – celebrating those who turn regulation into real-world impact.

Celebration of leadership and accountability

“It was a truly proud moment to see so many exceptional organisations recognised for their commitment to improving the roads for all South Africans,” said Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, the organisation behind the Awards. “These awards celebrate those who understand that road safety is about building a safer future for our nation. Tonight’s dedication and innovation show that South Africa has world-class fleet safety leadership – and these winners are setting the standards that will inspire the industry.”

Charleen Clarke, editorial director of FOCUS on Transport & Logistics and SHEQ Management magazines, which are the event’s official media partners, added: “It is of critical importance to recognise and celebrate efforts that improve all aspects of road use. Every life saved represents a family kept whole – and that’s worth celebrating.”

Heroes of the bus sector

The awards began with recognition for those transporting the most precious cargo of all – people.
The Bus Passenger Road Warrior Award (R10,000 prize) honoured an individual whose commitment to passenger safety stood out. The winner of this award was Masilo Kleinbooi Bopape (KTVR).

The Bus Passenger Best Organisation Award, powered by SABOA, recognised outstanding organisational safety culture and rigorous risk management. This award went to the Metro Group of Companies. Morny Nortman (Putco) walked away with the Bus Passenger Best Fleet Manager Award (R20,000 prize).

Trucking towards safer highways

Truck stops play a critical role in combating fatigue – a major cause of road crashes that kill thousands each year. The Most Improved Truck Stop Award, powered by Safer Stops (R20,000 prize), recognised Reef Truck Stop, which has enhanced safety and comfort for drivers.

Sustainability meets safety

With sustainability now integral to transport excellence, two new awards were introduced in 2025.

The Sustainability Leadership Award (R10,000), won by Reef Tankers, recognised a company using innovative practices to reduce environmental impact while maintaining exemplary safety.

The Fleet Sustainability Innovation Award, powered by WesBank (R10,000 prize), honoured those creating solutions that help others to simultaneously cut emissions and risk. The winner of this award was Zimi Charge.

Everyday champions behind the wheel

The Road Warrior Awards, powered by Optix, celebrated drivers who exemplify professionalism and safety every day. Each finalist won R5,000, with one exceptional driver crowned the overall champion. These were the winners:

Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV): Andrea Richter (Bartley Thomas Motsoeneng and Associates)
Medium Commercial Vehicle (MCV): Moses Gatebe (University of the Free State)
Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV): Wander Ncongwane (Reef Tankers)
Overall Road Warrior: Wander Ncongwane (Reef Tankers) – received an additional R30,000

Recognising progress and emerging talent

The Most Improved Organisation Award acknowledged continuous progress and innovation in safety. The winner was Bluu Car Rental.

The Aspiring Fleet Manager Award celebrated emerging leadership shaping the future of fleet safety. The winner was Kamitha Govinsamy (Ecolab).

Best of the Best

The Best Organisation Awards, powered by ZEDA, celebrated companies where safety is embedded in every operation. Each category winner received the Phillip Hull Road Safety Steering Award Trophy and R20,000 for a charitable cause – honouring the late Phillip Hull, who dedicated his life to safer roads. These were the winners:

LCV: Mbuyelo Mining Contractors
MCV: University of the Free State
HCV: MLM Logistics
Overall Best Organisation: MLM Logistics

Finally, the Best Fleet Manager Awards, powered by Dastek IVM, recognised the individuals transforming fleets into safety-driven operations. Each category winner received R10,000, and the overall winner an additional R60,000. The winners were:

LCV: Alfred Mashabela (Mbuyelo Mining Contractors)
MCV: Bongani Mokoena (Swift Distribution)
HCV: Callaghan Reddy (Tanker Services Fuel & Gas)
Overall Best Fleet Manager: Callaghan Reddy (Tanker Services Fuel & Gas)

South Africa’s roads remain among the deadliest globally, but these winners are proving that leadership, accountability and culture can save lives. As Herbert concluded: “When individuals and organisations unite behind a shared purpose – saving lives – the impact is extraordinary. The people we honoured tonight are showing that road safety isn’t just compliance. It’s compassion, professionalism and the belief that every journey should end safely.”

Congratulations to all 2025 Fleet Safety Award winners – you are the true champions of South Africa’s roads!