#ThankYouTrucker celebrates its first female champion!

October 24, 2023

Following a tightly contested voting phase, the results of the #ThankYouTrucker initiative were announced on 9 October. Hearty congratulations to the winner, Cynthia Thala from Unitrans, who has become the first woman to win the contest!

A joint initiative pioneered by Iveco SA and the Road Freight Association (RFA), the #ThankYouTrucker campaign aims to reward the country’s standout road freight drivers, and Thala perfectly represents this. The 40-year-old truck driver started her trucking career in 2019 and has a deep appreciation for the job. Her proactiveness and commitment to safety and preparedness are exemplary, and her dedication earned her recognition as Bulk Vehicle Operator (BVO) of the Year in 2020. Now, she has become the first female winner of the first prize in Iveco’s #ThankYouTrucker initiative.

A mother of three, Thala balances her job by working four days a week to make sure she has enough quality time with her family. Therefore, she’s a true inspiration who showcases what you can achieve as a female trucker with resilience, compassion, and determination.

“I feel abundantly blessed, and I feel that the love of God is with me always,” says Thala, “but thank you also to Iveco for making things happen.”

Thala emphasises the importance of gender equality in the trucking industry and encourages others not to underestimate their abilities. She says she sees life as a journey full of opportunities, and ultimately aspires to become her own boss in the trucking industry.

Despite her own ambitions, however, Thala has more altruistic plans for the R50,000 first prize. “I’m planning to share the money with my family, not forgetting to buy school uniforms and Christmas clothes for an orphan child I look after, but I will also invest some of the money,” she says.

Clearly, Thala is a fitting winner of a competition that seeks to show the industry’s appreciation for drivers who are often underappreciated for the thankless job they perform.

“We couldn’t be happier to hand this award to Cynthia, who epitomises the drive, character, and commitment that we look to reward via the #ThankYouTrucker initiative,” says Elvis Mutseura, product marketing manager at Iveco SA. “In a short trucking career, she has already made her mark on the industry and her appreciation for the open road, transportation, and logistics is clear for everyone to see.”

Mutseura adds that there was stiff competition for the award, with a host of exceptional truck drivers nominated this year. Second place and a prize of R10,000 went to 40-year-old Gerhardus “Pikkie” Klaase from Koegelenberg Transport BK, whose determination has shone through while facing numerous challenges. Klaase’s employers highlighted one instance where his generosity and quick-thinking shone through in a heartwarming tale of helping an elderly couple stranded on Christmas Eve. He is a single father of two sons and Klaase also cares for his mother after she suffered a stroke.

“Honesty is key: help one another and tomorrow brings new opportunities,” says Klaase philosophically. He hopes to put his winnings towards buying a wheelchair for his mother, supporting his son’s rugby tour, and saving towards a deposit for a bakkie.

Third place and R5,000 went to 55-year-old Nkosinathi Peaceman Chiliza, who says loyalty and commitment to his work are of the utmost importance to him. This is borne out by the 15 years he has spent with his current employer, ACT Logistics, in Gauteng.

Chiliza’s previous accomplishments include being named Driver of the Year within his company, and he aims to share his passion and knowledge by becoming an instructor and promoting safe and disciplined truck driving. He says that respect and unity are vital to building a better South Africa, and he appreciates the youthful spirit and happiness his job and colleagues bring him.

So, that’s it for another inspiring instalment of #ThankYouTrucker from Iveco SA and the RFA. We can’t wait to see nominations for next year’s award. Until then, congratulations to other drivers who were nominated for this award. Who knows, maybe next year will be your year?

Photo credit: Tarryn Elaine Photography