Freight Awards a testament to transport industry’s dedication

The second Annual South African Freight Awards gala banquet took place recently in Johannesburg. NICCI SCOTT-ANDERSON was there, and she writes that it was a testament to the transport industry’s collective dedication.

On 14 October, a gathering of distinguished guests from across South Africa convened to celebrate a remarkable journey of resilience, determination, and triumph. It was the 2^nd Annual South African Freight Awards, a visionary initiative born out of the unwavering commitment of Mary Phadi, president of the Truckers Association South Africa (TASA). With a passion for transformation that knows no bounds, Phadi’s dedication has propelled TASA’s growth from humble beginnings in 2017 to its present strength (the association now has over 350 members).

However, the magic of the South African Freight Awards extends far beyond the confines of TASA’s membership. This prestigious event shines a spotlight on the transport operators who have weathered another year’s operation within our volatile transport sector. These are the emerging transporters from both the freight and passenger sectors who have defied the odds, nurturing resilient and compliant businesses in the face of economic turbulence.

“Our vision is to assist in the continuous quality improvement of operators and qualifying enterprises and suppliers, enabling them to build businesses that last,” explains Phadi. “Through the awards, we have created a curated ecosystem platform, that enables public and private stakeholders to exchange knowledge and best practice.”

Held under the stunning highveld sky, the gala evening carried an air of elegance, grace, and sophistication, with over 160 guests in attendance, including the Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga; Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; CEO of the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA), Lwazi Mboyi; CEO of the Charlotte Maxeke Institute, Thulasizwe Makhanya; provincial MECs and many other government officials, as well as a delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo and various captains of the industry.

While all the award winners were truly deserving, the room exploded with applause and joy when young twin sisters from KwaZulu-Natal received the Truck Driver Awards. At just 26 years old, Amanda and Ayanda Ngubane are proud truck drivers who have a significant social medial presence and influence, inspiring both men and women to share in the joy of being a professional truck driver.

The South African Freight Awards were made possible by various partners, including the Department of Transport (DoT), C-BRTA, the Road Accident Fund (RAF), the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA), RailRunner, Tarospace, Commercial Transport Academy (CTA), and various truck operators.

As I reflect on the resounding success of the South African Freight Awards and the incredible journeys of emerging and transformed transport operators, I am reminded of the pivotal role they play in shaping the future of our nation’s transport sector. 

With a call to action, we are reminded that recognition and celebration alone are not enough; we need to foster lasting transformation and ensure the sustained growth and diversification of the sector. We must extend our support to these trailblazers, whether through access to viable business support, capital, mentorship, or policy initiatives that level the playing field.

Let us carry forward the spirit of unity encapsulated in the theme of the South African Freight Awards: “We are in this together.”

Below from left: 1. Mary Phadi with Nkashi Mphahlele, national chairperson of TASA, recipient of the Industry Recognition Special Award, and Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga. 2. Phadi and Margie Heslop, Industry Recognition Pioneer Award winner, with the Minister responsible for Women, Youth, and People living with Disabilities, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. 3. Phadi with Industry Recognition Award winner Nondumiso Boya of Mavukane Transport – Commodities.