Nimrod Maseko, a truck driver at Maphanga Logistics in Mpumalanga, has taken top honours at the #ThankYouTrucker competition. Voted for by the people, Maseko was one of five finalists nominated.Matthew Moonsamy from Imperial Contract Logistics (KwaZulu-Natal) took second place, with Audrey Chiloane from the Zosi Group (in Gauteng) placing third.
Maseko, who is one of the oldest truck drivers at Maphanga Logistics, has encountered many challenges in his life. His nominator, Maphangaâs Logistics Co-ordinator Jabulile Mtsweni explained: âDespite being illiterate, Nimrod always strives to fulfil all daily compliance requirements, such as 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 rules and regulations and never fails to report any defects of the truck which may easily cause road accidents or near misses. Above all, when his truck has a breakdown, he willingly jumps into his âmechanical modeâ 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 paperwork for underloads/overloadsâ.
âNimrod is an asset that makes logistics such a seamless function within the supply chain,â she continues. âThis year, he has already been selected as our driver of the month twice. He is a role-model, who encourages his colleagues to be punctual at work because he says that he understands that his salary is only generated âwhen the wheels are turningâ. He 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.â
Delighted about his win, Maseko said: âI am super-excited to have won the #ThankYouTrucker competition. I am very thankful to all my colleagues and to Maphanga Logisticsâ management for their belief in me.â Maseko has been with he company since October 2020. It has a fleet of 10 trucks and 13 drivers.
âIVECO SA congratulates all the nominated drivers and thanks all the nominating fleets for helping to recognise the important role played by drivers in moving the economy and ensuring that goods are delivered where they are needed. A special congratulations goes to Nimrod Maseko and all the finalists on their excellent achievements,â says Martin Liebenberg, Commercial Manager of IVECO SA. âThe support from the trucking industry and the general public for #ThankYouTrucker has been overwhelming! It is fantastic to see the support and recognition of truck drivers growing given the challenges they face constantly, which the recent unrest brought into stark relief.â
An initiative of IVECO SA and the Road Freight Association, #ThankYouTrucker recognises, celebrates and rewards 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 in trucking.
