Cynthia Thala

Cynthia Thala

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Cynthia Thala

Drives for:

Unitrans Gauteng

Nominated by:

Cheslin Sass

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.

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Ayanda Mvelase

Not many little girls dream of becoming a truck driver But for Ayanda Mvelase—trucker and mother to 8-year-old Lizeka, becoming a truck driver was really all she ever wanted to be as far back as she can remember. Two years into her studies to qualify as a social worker she overheard a group of men talking about an opportunity to be a trucker through a learnership program. With as much tenacity and confidence that she could muster Ayanda managed to convince the learnership management team to allow her to join the Learnership program.
Besides being a mother and partner, trucking remains her first love. Being inside the cab inspires her; meeting new people, seeing different cultures and hearing new languages is the best part of her job.

Being a woman behind the wheel brings its own challenges but Ayanda has embodied the essence of good driving, with perfect scores in speed, harsh braking, over revving and excessive idling. She has scored an average of 98.04 % on our Driver Behavioural Scorecard.

Ayanda positively shines, she truly embodies the values of Crossroads wholeheartedly.

We are extremely proud to nominate Ayanda Mvelase as one of Crossroads` top drivers for Iveco’s #ThankYouTrucker competition asshe exemplifies Crossroads’ values of trust, respect, excellence, and ethics.

POPI Act

RFA MEMBER CONSENT IN TERMS OF THE PROTECTION OF INFORMATION ACT 4 OF 2013
(“POPI ACT”)

Dear RFA Member,

  1. The personal information which is processed by The Road Freight Association (“RFA”) in the course of your membership and your engagement of the RFA’s services fall within the ambit of the POPI Act.
  2. The purpose of this document is to obtain your consent to process your personal information.
  3. By your signature hereto, you confirm that you are aware of the fact that you are under no obligation to consent to the processing of your personal information by the RFA and that your consent relates only to the processing of your personal information pertaining to the matters stated herein.
  4. You also confirm that you understand that by failing and/or refusing to provide consent to the RFA, that the RFA will not be able to fulfil its obligations towards you or continue with the membership and service relationship, depending on the nature of the information to which you object, unless you grant your consent to process your personal information.
  5. For purposes of defining “personal information”, you are advised that such information may include your:
      • Full names, surname and identity number/passport details (for natural persons) and/or Company name/Close Corporation name/registration details and other details regarding the Company or Close Corporation;
      • Contact details, such as e-mail address, website address, postal address, landline and mobile contact numbers, geographic location;
      • Nationality and demographic information (natural persons);
      • Place of residence/place of business;
      • Employment details;
      • Bank account details;
      • All information relating to the requirements set out in the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 38 of 2001, as amended, with which the RFA is obliged to comply; and
      • any other information requested by the RFA and voluntarily provided by you for purposes of performing the services in accordance with your mandate to the RFA.
      • Note: The member is to take note that certain demographic information is referred to as special personal information in terms of Section 26 of the POPI Act. There is a difference between personal information and special personal information. The RFA therefore processes both general and special personal information of its clients.

  1. Your personal information will only be processed for the purpose for which it was collected, and as agreed (“the services”), which includes, but is not limited to, the following:
  2. By signing this document, you agree to the RFA:
      • Processing your personal information for the purposes of rendering the services.
      • Recording, storing, updating, modifying, and retrieving your personal information for the purposes of rendering the services.
      • Collecting your personal information from a third party or source for the purposes of rendering the services.
      • To transmit your personal information to a third party in the Republic of South Africa for the purposes of rendering the services.
      • To transmit your personal information to a third party in a foreign country (who provides an adequate level of protection for the processing of personal information as referred to in Section 72 of the POPI Act) for the purposes of rendering the services.
      • Retain your personal information for the duration of the membership and service relationship and for such period after the termination of the business relationship as stipulated in the relevant legislation applicable to the RFA.

 

  1. By signing this document, you also confirm that you understand and agree to the following:
      • That you are obliged to inform the RFA of any correction or deletion of your personal information or destroying or deletion of any records of your personal information in terms of Section 24(1) of the POPI Act, by submitting Form 2 of the Regulations Relating to the POPI Act.
      • The contents hereof and accept this consent as adequate notification of the collection and processing of your personal information by the RFA.
      • The destruction or deletion of your personal information once the information is no longer required and the retention period required by legislation has lapsed. The RFA will shred any personal information/data of the member in accordance with the POPI Act in order to preserve the confidentiality of the information/data.
      • The consequences of failing and/or refusing to provide consent to the RFA and that the RFA will not be able to fulfil its obligations towards you or continue with the membership and service relationship, depending on the nature of the information to which you object, unless you grant your consent to process your personal information.
      • That you may withdraw your consent or object to the processing of your personal information at any time by giving written notification to the RFA’s POPI Information Officer: Kevin van der Merwe  and/or the RFA’s Deputy POPI Information Officer:  Gloria Moepi.
      • That you are aware of your right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator, who’s contact details are as follows:

 

Address: SALU Building, 316 Thabo Sehume Street, Pretoria
Tel: 012 406 4818
Fax: 086 500 3351
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za

 

Audrey Chiloane

In an industry dominated by men, Ms. Audrey Chiloane has always had her ways of standing out. This ranges from her exceptional driving skills as a Super-Link truck driver, her random acts of kindness to those in need and finally her 4 year long clear track record. She is currently dedicated to the Mozambique and Botswana route, and always ready to show her colleagues that she runs the team. Do not be mistaken by her petite body and soft voice as Audrey is always ready to deliver your loads Fast, & safe while saving the company thousands of Rands monthly thanks to her outstanding score on the Scania Fuel consumption score chart. She never stops defying the odds,

She never gives up!

Matthew Moonsamy

Matthew Moonsamy started in driving for Tongaat Hullets in 1987, as a code 14 double diff driver, with many name changes he stuck with the company, who was eventually became TFD network Africa, who was then taken over by Imperial and now known as ICL (Imperial contract logistics)During Matthews early days, he used to drive, do stock counts and even assist with the checking of goods, over the years Matthew has evolved from a double diff driver to a super link driver, his attention to detail and his TAT has made him stand out.

Matthew was tasked with the test driving of our learner drivers and new take on, he would come in on a weekend to complete vehicle checks, at the moment he completes anything between 3 to 5 trips/loads in a day, hence reducing operating costs. he starts early hours of the morning to ensure he completes his first stop before 06:00

During 2020 when our depot was hit hard with covid cases, Matthew was tasked to report for duty early hours of Monday mornings, to issue out vehicle keys and and take control over the early country departures and he managed this added duty with no complaints and seeking no additional recognition.

With the experience Matthew has gained, he also assist us with the review of the planning has he provides us with an oversight of the issues experienced in today roads. Matthews journey is now coming to an end after 34 years of driving, in August 2021 Matthew will be 65 years old and will retire, so we would like to wish him all the best in his future plans and may he enjoy his time at home with his family and his 6 grandchildren.

Nimrod Maseko

The nominated driver is the eldest amongst the group of truck drivers in our employ. Firstly he is illiterate, however he always strives to fulfil all daily compliance requirements like completing his daily trip-sheet, his pre-inspection sheets and all related paperwork without fail. When presentations are conducted regarding safety standard operating procedures, he always obeys all the given rules & regulations and he always reports any defects of the truck which may easily cause road accidents or near misses. Above all, when his truck has a breakdown on site; he willingly jumps into his mechanical mode to help the mechanics with the diagnosis or repair that may be necessary. He is a man who always shows high regard for management and also motivates his fellow colleagues at sites to check their paper work for underloads/overloads. He is an asset that makes logistics such a seamless function within the supply chain. During the year 2021, he has already been selected as the driver of the month twice on a set criteria which he excelled in. He is an employee who always makes even his fellow colleagues to understand the essence of time and punctuality at work because he says that he understands that his salary is only generated “when wheels are turning” and he therefore feels proud at the end of each month when the company pays him and he is able to do what any father would want to do for his family.

Sandeep Juggernauth

An excellent platform to appreciate my driver standing with me in this pic and me having a burnt hand as well. I was at peace and could heal my hand knowing I have someone to drive and run the operations in Durban. Sandeep is dedicated to me , the company and the other driver. He works all odd hours and early hours of the morning. If he is not driving and if the other driver has a breakdown, he is there at the truck within minutes to help. Sandeep was off 2 weeks ago and I had a spare driver assist. This man was unfortunately caught by the ATDF who are chasing away foreign drivers. They beat that driver and chased him. They held my truck and keys hostage and asked me to send a South African driver to collect the truck and keys. I had to call Sandeep and ask him to go. He put aside his fears and went there to collect the truck before they damaged it and burn it. This was near the port. Everyone needs a job in this Covid times. It’s about humanity . Sandeep is always dedicated, honest and reliable. Thank you for your dedication, Sandeep!

Philemon Magubane

Philemon is polite, helpful and dedicated to his job. He has proven to be an inspiration to other aspiring truckers and is a highly respected individual.
West End Trucking are delighted to support this initiative of acknowledging the individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly at times against all odds to ensure that goods are delivered timeously around the country.

Competition Rules, Terms and Conditions and How to Enter

About the Competition

• The #ThankYouTrucker competition runs from 11 June to 3 October 2022.The closing date for entries is midnight on Friday, 2 September 2022.
• Entry forms for the competition will only be accepted from 11June 2022 to Friday 2 September 2022. Any entries received after 2 September 2022 will not be considered.
• The campaign, an initiative by Iveco SA and the The Road Freight Association, is looking for the most extraordinary freight driver: a remarkable individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty. This driver is helpful, trustworthy, dependable, caring and passionate about his/her career as a freight driver.
• The measurement for determining the most extraordinary freight driver will be drawn up by the Competition Committee.
• Entries must be submitted online at thankyoutrucker.co.za
• Finalists will be short-listed and details will be announced on Monday 12 September 2022.
• The public will be able to vote for their favourite driver from 12 to 28 September 2022.
• The Committee shortlisting the candidates will comprise representatives from an RFA Interest Group, IVECO SA and Initiative Media.
• The industry will vote for the winner via the Competition website – www.thankyoutrucker.co.za
• Some drivers may be profiled by the RFA and IVECO SA on their websites, social media platforms, the broader media and using other communication tools.
• Only one entry per driver can be submitted. A fleet owner can however enter as many drivers as he/she wishes.

Eligibility

  • • Only South African drivers in the road freight industry in South Africa can be nominated.
    • Only company owners, operations managers, direct line managers or fleet managers may nominate/enter a driver.
    • The driver participants must be permanently employed by the fleet owner and must remain in their employ for the duration of the Competition and up until the winners are announced. Termination of employment for any reason whatsoever could result in the driver being disqualified from the competition.
    • Participants (both the drivers and fleet owners) must be 18 (eighteen years) or older and have:
    • a valid South African identity document.
    • a valid driver’s licence.
    • valid permit/s to drive the freight vehicle/s.
    • Directors, members, partners, employees, agents or consultants for IVECO SA or the Road Freight Association may not participate.
    • Drivers’ documentation will be audited and verified should the driver be short-listed for the prize.
    • It is the responsibility of the fleet owner to obtain the driver’s consent, before entering him/her into the competition. Should the driver not wish to be part of the competition, the entry will be disqualified.

Prizes

• The overall winner will receive R50 000 (fifty thousand Rand) in his/her personal capacity and for his/her own use.
• The first runner-up will receive R10 000 (ten thousand Rand) each, in their personal capacity and for their own use.
• The second runner-up will receive R5 000 (five thousand Rand) each, in their personal capacity and for their own use.
• The prizes are not transferrable.

Consumer Protection and Data Privacy

• By entering the competition, the participant acknowledges that personal information about him/herself, and the motivation by the fleet owner will be shared with the competition promoter and their agents to the extent necessary to conduct the competition, determine the winners and for prizes to be delivered to prize winners. Please see consent box below. This information may also be shared in the media and on the RFA’s and IVECO SA’s communication platforms.

General

  • By entering this Competition, all Participants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
  • The judges’ decision regarding determination of the winners and any issue with the Competition will be final and binding. No appeals or correspondence will be entered into.
  • Incomplete or incorrect entries will not be eligible to be entered into the Competition.
  • The prizes are not transferable or negotiable.
  • The RFA and IVECO SA will not be liable for any loss suffered as a result of incomplete or incorrect information provided.
  • When claiming the prize, the RFA and IVECO SA reserve the right to request the winners to provide within 10 (ten) working days of date of being notified of their prize, positive identification (including a valid identity document or passport) and proof of driver’s licence and permits valid during the period of the Competition, failing which they may be disqualified and forfeit their prize.
  • The RFA and IVECO SA reserve the right to shorten, extend or suspend the time period of the Competition, or terminate the Competition whenever it should so choose.
  • The Competition, its prizes, and terms and conditions may be amended by the RFA and IVECO SA, at any time during the Competition.
  • The Participant indemnifies, releases and agrees to hold harmless the RFA and IVECO SA, their associates, holding and subsidiary companies, and its directors, officers, agents, representatives, shareholders, employees and successors, and assigns from any and all claims or liability arising from participating in the Competition, any Competition-related activity and/or acceptance, receipt, possession or use/misuse of any prize.
  • The laws of the Republic of South Africa shall govern these Competition terms and conditions and the courts of South Africa shall have exclusive jurisdiction.