MAN does its bit for truckers

October 24, 2023

In celebration of Transport Month, MAN Automotive (SA) recently joined forces with Engen Petroleum to organise a philanthropic event at the Engen Highveld 1 Stops (West and East) close to MAN’s Olifantsfontein bus plant. The aim was to demonstrate care and support for truck drivers. Article and photographs by SUZY BERNSTEIN.

Head of truck sales and products at MAN Automotive, Philip Kalil-Zackey, and colleagues took time out to give back to the community. Caps and reflector vests were given out as an expression of support for the safety and well-being of truck drivers.

“Whereas caps obviously offer protection from the sun, the reflector vests are a security measure in the event of roadside stops or blockages. MAN made this gesture within a climate where long haul truck drivers work long and arduous hours in ever-increasingly high-risk conditions,” explains Kalil-Zackey.

Head of customer service management at MAN Automotive, Noko Seopa, explains that the initiative falls under the ambit of the company’s corporate social investment (CSI) programme.

“In this instance, MAN is acknowledging the roles played by truck drivers and truck owners in ensuring sustainability and continuity. This is a very important day for us. At MAN we believe in investing in our communities,” says Seopa. “Truck drivers come from these communities and their wellness at home and on the road is important to us. Today is really about us showing our commitment to the community in which we do business to show that we care; we don’t just care for the vehicle. We’ve also integrated the vehicle as part of wellness.”

An additional feature of the day was a free 20-point inspection called the MAN Truck Health Check. Hooters, tyres, wipers, and lights, as well as other key safety features, were checked to further safeguard the drivers. “We want these vehicles to deliver the goods on time, where they are intended to be. However, the people driving these vehicles need to be well. They need to be healthy and that is what this day is all about,” says Seopa.

The event is a demonstration of the symbiotic relationship between MAN and its vehicles, drivers, owners of trucks, and the communities they come from. All have an important role to play in the socio-economic life of South Africa and to reach their maximum potential they must be in good health.

Busisiwe Mkwanazi, marketing and brand manager at MAN Automotive, says the CSI project proves that the company really cares: “MAN Automotive is – and always will be – a customer-centric organisation. We pride ourselves on the fact that we work very hard to deliver the very best solutions to our customers. But we’re not only here to sell trucks and buses; we also care about the people within our industry – as evidenced yet again by this initiative.”