It marked a pivotal moment in African organisational and road safety as these are the first awards dedicated to celebrating excellence in fleet safety.

The highest number of Awards were handed out since the inception of the Fleet Safety Awards three years ago. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: “It was a proud moment to hand over 18 awards to deserving recipients. Every individual and organisation clearly showed an impressive repertoire in their efforts to promote road safety.

“Winners across the nine different categories received more than R200 000 in cash prizes. In addition to this, various winners were further rewarded with a number of other prizes to contribute to their continued development and improvement,” says Herbert.

SABOA Road Warrior

Ettiah Tsatsimpe from Tshwane Rapid Transit was the first winner at the ceremony. “The SABOA Road Warrior Award recognises an individual exemplifying excellence in safe bus operation, setting a standard for others to follow. The award recognises a daily commitment to passenger safety.”

SABOA Best Organisation powered by Standard Bank

This award was won by Unitrans Passenger. “In the public transport sector, organisational commitment to safety is not just about improving statistics - it saves lives. Unitrans Passenger illustrated their comprehensive safety programmes and the role they play in improving road safety within the sector.”

SABOA Best Fleet Manager

Unitrans Passenger was recognised a second time when Marthinus Mulder from the organisation won SABOA Best Fleet Manager. “Martinus was nominated as someone transforming a group of bus operators into a cohesive team dedicated to safety excellence. He is a demonstration of inspiring safety leadership.”

Most Improved Truck Stop powered by Safer Stops

Vaal Truck Inn, on the N3, proved itself as a rest stop that is more than just a refuelling point. “Truck tops are crucial safety hubs in our nation's transport network. Vaal Truck Inn is successful in providing secure rest areas for long-haul drivers that provide various services needed by truck drivers.”

Best Employer powered by AVIS

African Sugar Logistics was the winner of Best Employer powered by AVIS. “This Award celebrates organisations that understand a fundamental truth: safe roads begin with well-supported drivers. It is a particularly special category because African Sugar Logistics was nominated by its own employees.”

Road Warrior Category powered by Optix

On South Africa's roads, true heroes don't wear capes - they operate vehicles with exceptional skill and unwavering commitment to safety. “The Road Warrior Award powered by OPTIX celebrates these everyday champions who represent countless lives protected and accidents prevented.”

• Winner Light Commercial Vehicle Category: Jerome Dlamini from VitalAire
• Winner Medium Commercial Vehicle Category: Akona Mbolkwana from ACT Logistics
• Winner Heavy Commercial Vehicle Category: Shadrack Ngobeni from DP World

Overall winner: Shadrack Ngobeni from DP World

Best Organisation powered by Dastek IVM

The winners of this category demonstrated their vision, commitment and unwavering dedication at every level of the organisation creating a culture of safety. These Awards celebrate organisations that do not just talk about safety - they live it.”

• Winner Light Commercial Vehicle Category: Future Africa Consulting
• Winner Medium Commercial Vehicle Category: University of the Free State
• Winner Heavy Commercial Vehicle Category: Bakers Transport

Overall winner: Bakers Transport

Best Fleet Manager powered by Michelin Connected Fleet

The ultimate award of the evening was Best Fleet Manager powered by Michelin Connected Fleet. “Each of the fleet managers awarded represents the pinnacle of fleet safety leadership through comprehensive safety strategies, building a culture of safety excellence and innovation in their approach to safety.”

• Winner Light Commercial Vehicle Category: Ahmed Gani Joosub from Future Africa Consulting
• Winner Medium Commercial Vehicle Category: Ephram Mokoena from R&D Contracting
• Winner Heavy Commercial Vehicle Category: Zaahid Essop from Bakers Tankers

Overall Winner: Ahmed Gani Joosub from Future Africa Consulting

Most Improved Organisation powered by Motor Accident Group (MAG)

This year a new category acknowledging the power of persistence and progress was introduced. “The Most Improved Organisation Award powered by Motor Accident Group (MAG) was won by Petit Forestier to recognise that achieving road safety excellence is a journey, not a destination.”

This landmark event brings together industry leaders, transport experts and safety professionals to honour outstanding achievements in promoting road safety across various sectors.

“Congratulations to every person who was recognised at the 2024 Fleet Safety Awards. We look forward to seeing your road safety efforts in the future,” says Herbert.