The dedication of South Africa’s leading fleet safety professionals was acknowledged at the 2025 Fleet Safety Awards, where organisations, managers, and drivers who have made road safety a fundamental business priority received well-deserved recognition.
It was a privilege to witness the high calibre of this year’s winners. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: “Witnessing the recognition of the many outstanding organisations committed to fleet safety and enhancing road conditions for all South Africans was genuinely moving.
“These Awards honour those who recognise that road safety transcends compliance. It is about safeguarding lives, protecting families, and creating a secure future for our country. The Awards showcased dedication and innovation while demonstrating that South Africa has exceptional fleet safety leadership. The winners help establish benchmarks to motivate the broader industry.”
Bus passenger categories
The Awards started by recognising the bus transport sector, where operational responsibilities are especially significant. Bus Passenger Road Warrior was the first Award winning R10 000 for operators showing exceptional dedication to road safety and daily commitment to passenger protection while inspiring colleagues.
Winner of Bus Passenger Road Warrior Award was
- Masilo Kleinbooi Bopape from KTVR
Second Award of the evening recognised organisations that distinguished themselves for their comprehensive fleet protocols, systematic risk oversight, and uncompromising safety culture which is essential in a sector where single failures can cause multiple casualties.
Winner of Bus Passenger Best Organisation Award, powered by SABOA, was:
- Metro Group of Companies
The next category recognised a fleet leader that sets oneself apart with a safety-first approach which has a cascading impact throughout out the organisation. They took home an impressive R20 000
Winner of Bus Passenger Best Fleet Manager Awardwas:
- Morny Nortman from Putco
The Most Improved Truck Stop Award acknowledged organisations that invest in essential safety infrastructure to reduce driver fatigue, offers secure parking, and supports driver wellbeing. This Award comes with R20 000, to be invested into a further development project
Most Improved Truck Stop Award, powered by Safer Stops, was won by
- Reef Truck Stop
New categories
Two inaugural sustainability awards debuted in 2025. Sustainability Leadership Award recognises organisations that demonstrate that environmental responsibility and exemplary safety standards work in tandem. The Award has R10 000 in prize money
Sustainability Leadership Award was won by
- MLM Logistics (runner-up)
- Reef Tankers (winner)
The Fleet Sustainability Innovation Award, powered by WesBank, acknowledges organisations for providing innovative solutions that enable businesses to minimise environmental impact with their services and solutions. The winner received R10 000 in cash.
Fleet Sustainability Innovation Award:
- Predictive Safety Analytics (runner-up)
- Zimi Charge (winner)
Two surprise categories, Most Improved Organisation and Aspiring Fleet Manager Awards, joined the line-up to acknowledge those that may have not placed in the judges ranking but which showed promising and continuous advancement, representing tomorrow’s safety leadership.
Most Improved Organisation was won by:
- Bluu Car Rental
Aspiring Fleet Manager was won by
- Kamitha Govindsamy from Ecolab
The Road Warrior Awards, powered by Optix, recognises drivers exemplifying consistent safe driving excellence and promoting others to follow their example. Each finalist won R5 000 in cash among other prizes.
Finalists in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) category:
- Andrea Richter from Bartley Thomas Motsoeneng and Associates (overall winner)
- Marnolito Lottering form ACT Logistics
- Avron van der Linde from DKVA van der Linde services
Finalists in the medium commercial vehicle (MCV) category
- Moses Gatebe from the University of the Free State (overall winner)
- Sizwe Sibanyini from R&D Contracting
- Levy Maswanganyi from Swift Distribution
Finalists in the heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) category:
- Wander Ncongwane from Reef Tankers (overall winner)
- Dionysius Gutsa from Bakers Transport
- Imaran Shaik from Inyameko Trading
With Wander Ncongwane from Reef Tankers winning the overall title and an additional R30 000
The Best Organisation Awards, powered by ZEDA, acknowledges companies where a safety culture trickles from the top down. This creates an organisation where every individual is fully committed to doing their part in creating safer roads.
Finalists in the LCV category:
- Mbuyelo Mining Contractors (overall winner)
- Ekurhuleni Water Care Company
- Lociware Shuttle Service
Finalists in the MCV category
- University of the Free State (overall winner)
- Skytanking
- ACT Logistics
Finalists in the HCV category:
- MLM Logistics (overall winner)
- Inyameko Trading
- Unitrans
The University of the Free State claimed the overall title, the Phillip Hull Road Safety Steering Award Trophy, and R20 000 to be donated to a charity.
The main Award of the ceremony, Best Fleet Manager, powered by Dastek IVM awarded the finalists R90 000 total. It recognises a visionary leader who demonstrates exceptional commitment to implementing and advancing safety procedures while fostering a culture of road safety innovation.
Finalists in the LCV category:
- Alfred Mashabela from Mbuyelo Mining Contractors (overall winner)
- Manie du Plessis from The Aurum Institute
- Eddie Chidoze from ETT Logistics
Finalists in the MCV category
- Bongani Mokoena from Swift Distribution (overall winner)
- Siyabonga Sikakane from the University of the Free State
- Mohale Solomon Ramoba from Naledi Telecoms
Finalists in the HCV category:
- Callaghan Reddy from Tanker Services Fuel & Gas (overall winner)
- Drikus Joubert from MLM Logistics
- Zain van Kerken from Polyoak Packaging
Callaghan Reddy from Tanker Services Fuel & Gas took the overall honours with an additional in R70 000 in cash.
The 2025 Fleet Safety Awards proves that unified commitment among individuals, organisations, and industry leaders creates transformative road safety improvements, with these champions inspiring future generations of safety advocates.
