Author:charleen-clarke
Could Transport Month move from PR to progress? September 8, 2025 “I have a dream.” Martin Luther King Jr famously said that on 28 August 1963. Fast forward to 2025, and CHARLEEN CLARKE also has a dream – that Transport Month could actually achieve something. Every October, South Africa observes Transport Month – a tradition dating back to 2005. The month is intended to raise awareness about road safety, highlight infrastructure development, and promote public transport. Yet too often, it […]
The great CV invasion: why no-one can stop China’s rise September 22, 2025 The Chinese are not just playing the commercial vehicle game – they’re rewriting it. Faster, bolder, and unshackled by tradition, they have one goal: dominance. Frankly, there’s a good chance that they will succeed. Here’s why… Recently, I found myself at the launch of a vehicle that few South Africans will yet have heard of – the Farizon SV. “Sorry, what?” I can hear you say… Well, […]
MAN eTGX and eTGS: quiet confidence, big ambition September 16, 2025 MAN’s new heavy-duty electric trucks have arrived with a tailwind. The eTGX recently won the world’s first major comparison test for heavy-duty electric trucks (conducted by Trucker magazine). But these are the obvious questions: are these trucks any good, and do they truly deserve that first place? CHARLEEN CLARKE went to Munich to find out. Back in 2018, we were invited to Austria by MAN. The occasion? Amidst much […]
Driven: Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8XR HEV September 21, 2025 Back in 1997, Toyota was first to market with the Prius, which became the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car. At the time, no other manufacturer had a hybrid vehicle in mass production. Toyota’s early move gave it a huge lead in hybrid technology, and the Prius went on to become synonymous with hybrids worldwide. Toyota undoubtedly deserves credit for pioneering hybrids with the Prius, which fundamentally changed how the industry thought […]
Can SA’s drone laws keep up with the skies? July 8, 2025 As drones promise to transform deliveries, healthcare, and urban mobility, can South Africa modernise its outdated regulations fast enough to lead Africa’s aerial revolution? The time to act is now! CHARLEEN CLARKE reports… By 2050, the global market for non-military drones is expected to grow significantly, transforming how goods and people move across cities and rural landscapes. In South Africa, where road access remains limited in many regions […]
Minister unveils ambitious transport overhaul at SATC July 12, 2025 At the 43rd annual Southern African Transport Conference and Exhibition (SATC), Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy laid out a bold transport strategy aimed at transforming South Africa’s infrastructure, revitalising rail, boosting aviation, and improving road safety. CHARLEEN CLARKE reports that the strategy aims to unlock long-term economic growth. The Department of Transport (DoT) has an ambitious agenda to transform passenger and freight transport in South Africa – with the aim […]
Africa’s mobility crisis: Political games leave the vulnerable stranded July 2, 2025 As Africa urbanises and climate shocks intensify, outdated transport planning sacrifices the safety and dignity of millions who walk long distances daily. CHARLEEN CLARKE reports that it’s time for bold, inclusive mobility reforms. As Africa faces the combined pressures of rapid urbanisation, worsening climate disruptions, and the growing risk of social conflict, questions around transport and mobility have become increasingly urgent. According to Professor Gina Porter of Durham […]
Tata buys Iveco: A global powerhouse is born August 8, 2025 It’s official: Tata Motors will acquire Iveco Group, forming one of the most formidable new players in the global commercial vehicle (CV) sector. CHARLEEN CLARKE reports that the move, confirmed by both companies, marks a potentially game-changing development for the ailing Italian truck and bus manufacturer – and could be the lifeline it needs to return to strength. Described by Iveco chair Suzanne Heywood as “strategically significant”, the agreement […]
Billions for broken rails – or broken promises? August 22, 2025 South Africa has just secured nearly US$2 billion in loans to fix its collapsing infrastructure. That’s not small change. It’s the kind of money that could, theoretically, electrify our railways, unclog our ports, and give road freight a run for its money. Will this happen in practice, though? The question on many lips is simple: will the cash repair the country, or just disappear into the usual black holes? […]
Is Tata about to take over Iveco? We unpack the (potential) deal July 28, 2025 India’s Tata Motors is circling Iveco Group in what could become one of the most significant commercial vehicle (CV) acquisitions in recent years. CHARLEEN CLARKE writes that, if successful, the deal would see Tata acquire a controlling stake in the iconic Italian truck and bus manufacturer – minus its defence division. It’s a move that could radically reshape the European and global truck industry and […]
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