Motivation
Cynthia Noneka Thala is a vivacious 40-year-old bulk vehicle operator employed by Unitrans within the Total Alrode Operations. She embarked on her journey with Unitrans in March 2019, breaking barriers as the first female BVO under Total Witbank. Having previously worked in the bus industry, she seamlessly adapted to the shift-based work environment upon joining Unitrans, displaying a keen eagerness to learn.
Cynthia’s fascination with the world of truck driving began as she observed bulk trucks making deliveries during her previous job. Despite discouragement from friends who deemed it an unconventional choice for a woman, her husband stood firmly by her side, encouraging her to pursue her dream.
With her exuberant and magnetic personality, Cynthia has won the hearts of all who know her. She possesses robust administrative skills and derives genuine enjoyment from her role as a truck driver.
Fueling her passion for the trucking industry, Cynthia aspires to co-own a trucking business in the future. In recognition of her outstanding performance, she was named BVO of the Year in 2020. Presently, she is diligently working towards obtaining her National Certificate in Professional Driving, with plans to complete the program by the end of 2023. This course is designed to empower women by enhancing their understanding of the trucking business.
Having dedicated four years to Unitrans, Cynthia is well-versed in her responsibilities and duties as a driver. She meticulously inspects her vehicle before and after trips, prioritizing on-time deliveries while maintaining a steadfast commitment to safety, not only for herself but for those around her as well.
Cynthia’s unwavering dedication and reliability are evident in her track record, which includes:
Delivering 11.4 million liters without incident, with zero cross-overs and spills.
Completing 855 trips and 952 drops.
Achieving 651 days without injury, ensuring her personal safety.
Maintaining 651 days without violating life-saving rules.
Samuel Makgoba, her operational supervisor, lauds Cynthia as one of the finest female BVOs. She consistently executes her duties with efficiency and precision, bringing energy, dependability, and an unwavering commitment to every task. Cynthia ensures client satisfaction through safe deliveries and consistently upholds Unitrans’ reputation.
Beyond her career, Cynthia cherishes her family deeply and finds solace and inspiration in her faith by actively participating in church activities.
Drivers Story
Meet Cynthia Thala, a 40-year-old truck driver born and raised in Vaal, where she currently resides. Cynthia embarked on her trucking career in 2019, starting with driving a bus and later working at a filling station. She has a deep appreciation for the open road, transportation, and logistics, which is what drives her passion for being a truck driver.
Throughout her journey, Cynthia has faced challenges, such as handling breakdowns and adverse weather conditions, but her commitment to safety and preparedness shines through. She’s proactive, following safety protocols like positioning warning triangles and notifying supervisors in case of issues.
Off the road, Cynthia is a dedicated family woman with a loving husband and three children. She balances her job by working four days a week, ensuring she spends quality time with her family during her two days off. When not driving, Cynthia enjoys cooking and attending church. She’s also actively involved in her community, supporting an orphaned child by providing shelter and covering her educational expenses.
Cynthia’s dedication to her job earned her recognition as the BVO of the year in 2020. Looking ahead, she aspires to become her own boss in the trucking industry, a testament to her ambition and determination. In her personal thoughts, Cynthia highlights the importance of gender equality in the trucking industry and encourages others not to underestimate their abilities. She sees life as a journey full of opportunities.
If Cynthia wins #ThankYouTrucker 2023, she plans to use the prize money to further her studies and continue her noble work of supporting orphaned children. Her story serves as an inspiration to all, showcasing resilience, compassion, and determination in the world of trucking.
Motivation
This driver is a real superhero. He is the nicest, friendliest and most hardworking driver [the company] has had in a long time. I can give him a trip with a few pick-up points and he will pick up the cargo without any problems. If there are any problems at a pick-up point, he will always try to solve them himself. He is always there to help out if another driver is not showing up for work. I can phone him over the weekend and he is always available.
He is a single dad who gives everything he can for his child. He also takes care of his mother. He always tries to give his son a better life and works long hours to save money for him to get the best rugby training.
Pikkie, as we call him, always has something good to say about everything. You will never hear him being negative or complaining. My customers always tell me that he is always polite and helpful when unloading the truck. His paperwork is always neatly handed in on time. If his truck has a breakdown, he will first check to see what the problem is and whether he can repair it himself. If not, he always helps the mechanic with repairing his truck or a service.
Despite being on leave, Pikkie will come into the office and ask if I need help. He will get into his bakkie and drive to the other co-workers and take something to eat or drink for them, while he is supposed to be resting. He will always help his co-workers, even if he is off work.
Over the weekend (when the truck is standing), he comes to work and cleans it. I was told that he prepares a meal for himself and his co-driver, then he will share his meal with other drivers from other companies or even the security where he is parked. He will always try to help other people in need. If there were a superhero in the trucking industry, it would definitely be PIKKIE, or as his co-workers sometimes call him, PIKMAN!
Drivers Story
Motivation
Nathi is an incredibly skilled and professional truck driver with a passion for safety and efficiency on the road. He has been with ACT Logistics for 15+ years without a single incident on the road.
I have been consistently impressed by Nathi’s attention to detail and dedication to delivering goods on time and in top condition. Nathi’s driving is a testament to his experience and expertise behind the wheel. I feel confident knowing that he is on the road, delivering goods with precision and care.
Nathi’s professionalism and commitment to excellence make him stand out as one of the best truck drivers I have ever worked with. He truly goes above and beyond to ensure that his deliveries are completed flawlessly. Whether navigating busy city streets or rural highways, Nathi’s driving skills are second to none. He is a true master of the road, and it shows in the quality of his work.
Nathi used to deliver to a very special lady and when he had time, he would sit and have a cup of tea with her and discuss politics, today’s children and the good old days – a driver and a friend!
Drivers Story
Meet Nkosinathi Peaceman Chiliza, a 55-year-old truck driver hailing from Durban, Umlazi, but currently residing in Daveyton, Johannesburg.
Nkosinathi’s journey into trucking was born out of a desire to explore South Africa, experience its diverse cultures, and meet its people. He finds immense joy in his career, relishing the opportunity to travel, interact with various communities, and witness the beauty of the country.
Despite the challenges of driving at night, adverse weather conditions, and the condition of South Africa’s roads, Nkosinathi remains dedicated to his profession. He emphasizes the need for discipline and vigilance on the road and maintains a healthy lifestyle to stay focused and fit.
One remarkable incident that reflects Nkosinathi’s dedication is his intervention in an accident to protect the individuals inside, potentially saving lives. With 15 years of service at his current company, he highlights loyalty and commitment to his work.
Nkosinathi’s family plays a vital role in his life. He has a loving wife who has supported him through his extensive travels, three children, and a university-going child who assists in providing for the family when Nkosinathi is on the road. He prioritizes making every moment spent at home a happy one for his family.
Outside of work, Nkosinathi enjoys spending time with his family and watching soccer. His connection to the ocean from his lifeguard days in Durban remains strong, and he relishes swimming when visiting.
While he hasn’t yet actively engaged in community work, Nkosinathi aspires to contribute to his community by encouraging young individuals to obtain their licenses and explore the rewarding world of truck driving.
Nkosinathi’s accomplishments include being recognized as the Best Driver in his company and earning the title of Driver of the Year. He aims to share his passion and knowledge by becoming an instructor and promoting safe and disciplined truck driving.
In his personal thoughts, Nkosinathi appreciates the youthful spirit and happiness his job and colleagues bring him. He emphasizes the importance of respect and unity in building a better South Africa.
If Nkosinathi wins #ThankYouTrucker 2023, he plans to use the prize money to pay for his children’s education and indulge his General Manager, Nicolene, with a sizable chocolate treat. His story serves as an inspiration, reflecting dedication, passion, and a strong sense of community.
Other Entry Highlights
Motivation
Eugene has been with us since January 2023. Although he is young, he is very responsible. He is not out of this world but so dedicated to his job for the sake of his family. He goes out of his way to ensure that the truck is safe at all times. We recently had a person steal cables from our trailer and he chased the guy on foot until he was caught and handed to the police. This is proof of trust and his loyalty to the company. He has been driving from Durban to EC every day with no complaints. We meet twice a month halfway to eat and chat.
A young and inspiring person within our industry; every story is encouraging in its own way!
Drivers Story
Meet Eugene Thabethe, a 32-year-old father of five from Mpumalanga Malelane, currently residing in Joburg’s Tembisa Winnie. His remarkable journey is a testament to the power of inspiration, unwavering family support, and a commitment to giving back to the community.
Eugene’s journey in the world of trucking was ignited by the memory of his late grandfather, a dedicated truck driver. The stories of his grandfather’s adventures on the open road planted the seeds of ambition in Eugene’s heart, inspiring him to follow in his footsteps.Eugene’s career took a significant turn when he joined a company that recognized his potential. His manager, seeing his determination, encouraged him to obtain a Code 10 license. What makes this remarkable is that his manager not only provided the encouragement but also covered the costs, in return Eugene would gradually reimburse him. Eugene embraced this opportunity, which marked a turning point in his professional life. He later got his code 14 driver’s license in 2021, he ventured into the world of trucking, fuelled by ambition and the desire to honour his late grandfather’s legacy
Behind Eugene’s success stands a strong foundation of family support. His wife, mother, and grandmother, residing back in Mpumalanga, have been unwavering pillars of strength and encouragement throughout his journey. Their support has played a pivotal role in his determination to excel and achieve his dreams.
Eugene’s aspirations don’t stop at being the best truck driver. He envisions owning shares in his current company and becoming a truck owner in the future. His career goals are a testament to his ambition and drive to make a lasting impact in the industry.
His commitment to the community extends beyond his personal journey. He actively participates in a mentorship program that assists future drivers in gaining practical experience. Future drivers become passengers on trips, and through this hands-on approach, they acquire valuable skills and knowledge. What sets Eugene’s mentorship program apart is the implementation of a reward system, recognizing and rewarding the dedication of these aspiring drivers.
Should he win #ThankYouTrucker 2023 he wishes to invest it wisely as he plans to use his winnings to build a house for his beloved wife and children, highlighting the profound importance of family in his life.
Eugene Thabethe’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of inspiration, family support, and giving back to the community. His story serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through determination and the right support system. Eugene’s journey is not just his own; it’s a source of motivation for all of us to pursue our dreams, support our loved ones, and make a positive impact in our communities.
Motivation
Nkosinathi started at City Logistics in 2008 as a general worker. He worked hard to obtain his EC license because of his love for trucks. In 2014, he received his EC license but still continued working as a shutter boy. In that same year, City Logistics started to use “Nhatti” as a local driver to work towards his aspirations and help him gain an understanding of reversing, different combination configurations, and customers’ requirements.
Nkosinathi has never dropped the ball! He is currently on cross-border trips and still meeting customers’ requirements while enjoying his Euro3 Mercedes RE on the open road.
Drives Story
Meet Nkosinathi Vincent Zungu, a 42-year-old truck driver born in Kwazulu Natal, Durban, and currently residing in Durban. Nkosinathi’s journey in the world of trucking began in 2014 when City Logistics recognized his potential and employed him as a local driver. This opportunity allowed him to develop his skills in reversing, handling different combinations, and understanding customer requirements.
Passionate about trucks, Nkosinathi thrives on long-distance driving. He treasures the independence and freedom it brings, allowing him to explore new places and environments. However, he acknowledges that not all clients are easy to deal with, making the job challenging at times.
With a decade of experience under his belt at his current company, Nkosinathi has encountered the common challenges of trucking, such as breakdowns and maintenance. He emphasizes the importance of routine inspections, timely maintenance, and being well-prepared with essential tools and spare parts. When faced with matters beyond his control, he communicates with his controllers for assistance.
Nkosinathi serves as the sole breadwinner for his family, taking care of his younger siblings. Despite his demanding job, he dedicates his weekends to spending quality time with his family.
Outside of work, he enjoys family moments and watching soccer. Although he has not been actively involved in community initiatives, he aspires to contribute to his community by inspiring the youth to pursue truck driving as a career.
While Nkosinathi hasn’t received awards, his future goals include establishing his own truck fleet organization, reflecting his ambition and dedication to the industry.
In his personal thoughts, Nkosinathi emphasizes the importance of road safety and encourages all drivers to be considerate and patient when sharing the road with trucks. He believes that passion for trucks and a love for driving are essential for those aspiring to be truck drivers.
Should Nkosinathi win #ThankYouTrucker 2023, he intends to use the prize money to finish building a house for his family, a testament to his commitment to their well-being. His story sheds light on the hard work and dedication of truck drivers who keep goods moving across the country.
