Fuelling the future: Engen’s RTMS milestone

Engen Petroleum has made history as the first oil company in South Africa to secure Road Transport Management System (RTMS) certification for its entire national heavy vehicle fleet.

This landmark achievement, awarded by JC Auditors (JCA), reinforces Engen’s commitment to safety, compliance, and governance in hazardous material transportation.

At the official certification handover, held on 22 January at Engen’s KZN regional office, Bonnie Moyo, national transport and logistics manager, was honoured for his instrumental role in integrating RTMS principles across Engen’s national operations.

“Achieving RTMS certification… is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and compliance. This certification strengthens our ability to transport dangerous goods safely and responsibly, while ensuring we play our part in making South Africa’s roads safer for all users,” said Moyo at the ceremony.

Commitment to road safety

The certification underscores Engen’s proactive approach to fleet safety and risk management. Zeenett Naidoo, transport compliance officer, highlighted its significance: “RTMS is more than just a certification for us – it is a structured, data-driven approach to fleet safety and efficiency. This achievement reflects the dedication of our team in maintaining the highest transport safety standards.”

The milestone was commended by Chris Stretch, director of freight transport at the KZN Department of Transport (DoT), who stated: “The government recognises and fully supports initiatives like RTMS, which contribute significantly to road safety and responsible fleet management. Engen’s leadership in achieving RTMS certification sets a powerful example for the broader transport industry.”

Rigorous certification process

JCA conducted detailed inspections across Engen’s regional depots, assessing compliance with strict safety, operational, and risk management standards. With 18 years of RTMS auditing experience, JCA recognised Engen’s dedication throughout the process.

“Engen’s RTMS certification is a significant milestone, particularly in the transport of dangerous goods… (demonstrating) exceptional leadership in promoting safer roads and best practices in fleet management,” said Oliver Naidoo, JCA managing director.

Benefits of RTMS certification

RTMS is a voluntary self-regulatory standard endorsed by the DoT and key industry stakeholders. It enhances road safety, vehicle maintenance, driver wellness, and load management. Local transporters have gained significant benefits, including a reduction in accidents and incidents; improved payload optimisation; enhanced vehicle reliability and fewer breakdowns; a downturn in high-risk driving behaviours, like excessive speeds and harsh braking; reduced driver fatigue through structured monitoring; and fewer crashes, as a result of proactive maintenance strategies.

RTMS requirements closely align with Engen’s Road Transport Safety Operating Guidelines (RTSOG), which govern its dangerous goods transport management system. RTSOG ensures that Engen’s fleet operates within strict safety and regulatory frameworks, reflecting its commitment to risk mitigation in fuel distribution.

As part of the certification process, JCA applied key South African National Standards, including SANS 10231 – which governs the transport of hazardous goods by road – ensuring that Engen’s operations comply with industry best practices.

National commitment to safer roads

With road safety a national priority, JCA continues to advocate for RTMS adoption as a key driver in improving SA’s supply chain efficiency. Safer roads enhance transport operations and strengthen the broader economy by ensuring greater supply chain reliability.

Engen’s industry-first RTMS certification sets a new benchmark for fleet safety in the petroleum sector, paving the way for a safer, more efficient transport industry and reinforcing its role as a trusted leader in road safety and compliance.