South Africa’s trucking sector needs young blood and plenty of it. With driver shortages a global concern and competition for skills intensifying at home, contests that celebrate excellence on the road do far more than simply issue trophies. They shine a light on role models, spark ambition in younger drivers and build awareness around the professionalism the industry demands.
It is in this spirit that the Shoprite Group has named 33-year-old Sandile Sitsholwana as its 2025 Driver of the Year – a standout achievement that speaks directly to the power of opportunity, training and pride in the craft of trucking.
A historic win
Sitsholwana emerged as the top performer among 1 658 colleagues from South Africa and neighbouring countries, becoming the first-ever winner from Bloemfontein in the competition’s 13-year history, achieving the win just a year after joining the Shoprite Group.
The national final in Cape Town brought 13 regional champions together for a demanding day of written and practical assessments, overseen by national safety authorities.
Skills built from the ground up
Finalists are selected through regional rounds that test theoretical knowledge of road rules, vehicle classification and company policy, followed by practical yard and on-road evaluations. For Sandile, who hails from Botshabelo in the Free State, the journey to trucking began long before his Shoprite title.
“I started out as a taxi driver in 2013. I’ve always loved driving – the travelling, meeting new people and experiencing our beautiful country through its road network.
“My advice to young drivers? Work hard, be punctual, stay calm and patient. A good attitude goes a long way behind the wheel,” he explains.
“I’d like to thank Shoprite for giving us this great opportunity to test our skills and learn from each other,” he adds.
A fleet that runs right
The Driver of the Year competition reflects the Shoprite Group’s wider commitment to road safety, operational excellence and driver development across a transport operation that grows in scale each year.
Over the past 12 months, the division completed well over 900 000 deliveries with a 1 078-strong fleet equipped with advanced fatigue management systems. These include real-time facial recognition technology, in-cab alerts and seat vibration systems designed to reduce fatigue-related incidents.
In the 2025 financial year alone, drivers logged more than 28 000 hours of training across 7 812 sessions, from defensive driving to fleet safety protocols. Wellness support is embedded too, with the Group subsidising registered dietitian consultations to help drivers stay healthy for the long haul.
“In a world where road safety is paramount, driver training and readiness play a crucial role in ensuring our roads are safe for everyone,” says Chief Supply Chain Officer Andrew Havinga. “Our investment in people like Sandile is an investment in a safer, more professional fleet – and ultimately, a safer South Africa.”
A personal victory that reaches out
For Sandile, who has risen to the top through hard work, discipline and a passion for safe, responsible driving, the title carries deep meaning. “This win is not just mine. It belongs to my family, my community and every driver who believes in doing things the right way. I hope my story inspires others to push forward, stay focused and never stop learning.”
Editor’s comment: Competitions like Shoprite’s Driver of the Year are more than internal celebrations. They are a vital part of building a culture of excellence, giving younger drivers a pathway into the industry and reinforcing the professionalism that underpins safe trucking in South Africa. With role models like Sandile stepping forward, the future of trucking looks that much brighter.
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