Author:charleen-clarke
Michael Dietz: steering Daimler Trucks & Buses through 2020’s challenging waters December 16, 2020 This has been a challenging year for the transport industry – both here in South Africa and all over the world. However, as CHARLEEN CLARKE discovers in this exclusive interview with Michael Dietz, CEO of Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa (DTBSA), it’s ending surprisingly well for the manufacturer and distributor of Mercedes-Benz and Fuso commercial vehicles … What a year it’s been for Dietz! Quite […]
What a LOUSY year December 16, 2020 Anyone who knows me will tell you this: I always try to remain positive. I’m a glass-half-full kind of person. However, while I remain massively grateful for my health, 2020 has tested my positive mindset like you cannot believe. I know that the same applies to every transport operator and truck driver in this somewhat broken country. Back in March, we had no clue how dreadful this year would be. Sure, the economy […]
Truckers vs SANCATDRA: it’s a war! November 17, 2020 An organisation called the South African National Cargo Transport Drivers Association (SANCATDRA) appears to be targeting certain South African transport companies. It is alleged that two have already closed down – thanks to a campaign of harassment. The two companies that have closed – Bogdans Transport and Elf Trans – tell an ominously similar tale of harassment and violence, which ultimately culminated in both companies closing their doors. Bogdans – which […]
MAN flies the SA flag! October 20, 2020 MAN Automotive has come up with an extremely novel concept: a limited edition of trucks painted in the colours of the South African flag. CHARLEEN CLARKE reveals the story behind the creation of these extraordinary vehicles From bad to good. That’s what the SA Flag Limited Edition trucks personify, as Eren Gündüz, chief operating officer at MAN Automotive, says: “They symbolise the incredible success of the MAN brand in South Africa.” As […]
South Africa and India get IFOY jury seats! October 20, 2020 We have great news! South Africa and India are each getting an International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY Award) jury seat. And South Africa is represented by none other than Charleen Clarke, editorial director of FOCUS! The IFOY Award is to the field of logistics what the Oscars are to the movie industry: a Seriously Big Deal. Specifically, the IFOY Award recognises – and then rewards […]
Border posts in southern Africa: costly chaos October 20, 2020 Border posts in this region have never been renowned for efficiency, to be honest. However, they seem to have sunk to a new low of late … I am receiving reports from cross-border transport operators each and every day and – when they concern border posts – they’re almost always negative. To be frank, it appears as though chaos reigns. There has been widespread confusion when it comes to Covid testing […]
World-first Volta Zero is launched September 22, 2020 Volta Trucks, the start-up electric vehicle manufacturer, has revealed the new Volta Zero – its first vehicle and the world’s first purpose-built full-electric 16-tonne commercial vehicle designed specifically for inner-city parcel and freight distribution. The Volta Zero will start undertaking operator trials with some of Europe’s largest parcel delivery and logistics companies in 2021. Orders have already been taken from companies wanting to secure the first customer-specification vehicles, which are due to […]
Face to face with Scania’s Fabio Souza September 21, 2020 The South African transport industry has probably never experienced more turbulent trading conditions. CHARLEEN CLARKE goes face to face with Fabio Souza, managing director of Scania Southern Africa, to ask him – amongst other things – what the company is doing to support local operators. Please tell us a little about your career and how it has prepared you for your current role as MD Scania Southern Africa I started […]
A legend steps down September 21, 2020 After 17 years with FOCUS, Vic Oliver has decided to hang up his writing hat. It is thus that, with a heavy heart, we’re saying goodbye to an absolute legend. There are some people who will always be in my heart. Vic is one of them. Over the past 17 years, we have obviously had a strong professional relationship – he was, after all, an integral part of the FOCUS team – but […]
Drivers are trucking Covid to Botswana – really? August 15, 2020 Truck drivers are the arch-enemy of the people of Botswana right now. Because, along with all the other provisions they’re taking to the country, they’re also trucking Covid-19 into Botswana. That’s the accusation. I decided to dig a little deeper and find out if this is, in fact, reality Many years ago, truck drivers were blamed for spreading HIV/Aids on our continent. Now, fingers are being pointed at them […]
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