#ThankYouTrucker 2024: Nominations Now Open!

Following its success in previous years, the ever-so-popular #ThankYouTrucker competition is back for its fourth installment! An initiative proudly brought to you by Iveco and the Road Freight Association (RFA), this campaign aims to recognise, celebrate, and reward the invaluable contributions of truck drivers. These hardworking individuals help keep businesses operational and the economy active by transporting goods and services to various local and cross-border destinations, often enduring long hauls and countless hours on the road. 

At its core, the campaign seeks to encourage public appreciation and respect for this essential and often overlooked profession, while also applauding service excellence among those already in the profession. By showcasing the success stories of other truck drivers, #ThankYouTrucker hopes to inspire young South Africans to consider truck driving as a viable and rewarding career path.

Be Inspired by Past Winners

To understand the impact of the #ThankYouTrucker campaign, one need only look at the stories of the previous winners: Nimrod Maseko (2021), David Mashiane (2022), and Cynthia Thala (2023).

Although Maseko is illiterate, he always strives to fulfil all of his daily compliance requirements – such as completing his daily trip sheet, pre-inspection sheets, and all related paperwork – without fail! Then, there is Mashiane, who has been accident and incident-free for the past seven years, making him a good example of road safety for his colleagues. In 2023, we saw our first female winner, Thala, who, despite discouragement from friends who deemed it an unconventional career choice for a woman, pursued her dream with the support of her husband.

These individuals have not only demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment, and dedication, but have also used their platform to inspire others in the industry. History was made with Thala’s win, proving the inclusive nature of the trucking industry. Although it is still male-dominated, Iveco and the RFA are invested in changing the narrative and shifting perceptions to encourage individuals from all walks of life to consider truck driving as a career, regardless of their gender.

Nominate Your Leading Driver to Win

Along with the honour of being named South Africa’s Best Trucker, this year’s winner will walk away with a R50,000 cash prize. The first runner-up (2^nd place) will secure a R20,000 cash prize, while the second runner-up (3^rd place) will enjoy a R10,000 cash prize. Iveco and the RFA will also be rewarding the winner’s nominee for their keen eye by giving them an incredible R10,000 cash prize incentive!

So, if you believe that your truck driver is worthy of national recognition, we want to hear all about it. Nominations for this year’s competition are now open and will close on 15 August 2024. Owners and managers who employ truck drivers who always go above and beyond the call of duty, facing challenging road conditions along the way, are encouraged to nominate them by sharing their stories here: https://thankyoutrucker.co.za/ (Ts&Cs apply).