Gallery Update Video
GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - John Minnie, MTO Group driver, walked away with the laurels at the annual 2017 Driver of the Year competition on Saturday 21 October.
The overall second prize went to Gerrit Saayman in the category for bus drivers. Sarel Sampson of the George Municipality’s Fleet Management Services department was third overall and winner of the rigid trucks category.
The other two category winners were Gerrit Jansen of Moreki Solutions in the vans category and James Botha of Unitrans in the rigid drawbar category.
About 42 skilled heavy vehicle drivers (including one female driver) took part in the annual clash that was held at the Eden Meander shopping centre parking lot.
The drivers showcased their skills for the cause of road safety. Donovan Saptoe, manager of Traffic Services, said the competition was presented in Transport Month to promote responsible driving.
The competition was stiff between the drivers.
"The standard of the driving is high. This competition is an initiative to develop skills and promote road safety. The operators compete in various categories for the prestige title."
Watch a video below:
According to traffic officer Joël Junies, the drivers' skills are tested to the utmost.
They competed in four categories, namely buses, vans, rigid trucks, and articulated vehicles.
The jovial ambiance and cheery music motivated participants to give their best.
The drivers represented local distribution companies, public transport companies, and the municipality. There were no GO GEORGE drivers.
Click here for a photo gallery.
Cecil Noble, Protection Services portfolio councillor, thanked the major sponsors for their contribution which made the event possible.
Contributors were Eden Meander shopping centre, African Express, Coca-Cola, BP Atlantic and Eden FM, that did a live broadcast.
VIDEO: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
ARTICLE & PHOTOS: BRÜMILDA SWARTBOOI, GEORGE HERALD INTERN
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