Over the past decade, commercial truck drivers nationwide have actively participated in Engen's Driver Wellness programme, which takes place in October, Transport Month.

Engen Driver Wellness provides truck drivers with free voluntary health screenings and wellness support, empowering them to prioritise their well-being despite the demands of their work, whilst creating a safer, healthier, and more efficient transport sector in South Africa.

In collaboration with Trucking Wellness, an initiative of the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI), a total of 1600 screenings took place this year at 29 locations, across eight provinces in South Africa, marking an increase of over 400 tests compared to 2023.

Participating drivers received health checks from qualified nurses and counsellors, with screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, malaria, TB, STIs, HIV/AIDS, and BMI (Body Mass Index). Each driver also received a complimentary toiletry bag as a token of appreciation from Engen.

Sim Manqina, Engen’s Transformation and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, emphasised the programme's focus on safety and health.

"The Driver Wellness Programme is designed to improve driver health, ensuring this essential sector is ‘always moving’ safely and efficiently," commented Manqina.

Many drivers expressed gratitude for the programme, adjusting their schedules to make time for their vital checks.

For many, the screenings were an important opportunity to assess their health status—something often overlooked due to the demanding nature of their work.

Additionally, Trucking Wellness provided support for the treatment, care, and management of primary healthcare issues identified during the screenings.

This year’s programme saw collaboration with key transport industry stakeholders such as Santam, MAN, and Guud Drivers, joining Engen in fostering a culture of wellness and health awareness among truckers.  

The Mobile Assessment Centre (MAC) from the Guud Drivers programme visited five participating sites, aiding drivers with free health checks, Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) documentation, via the use of tele-medicine consultations with their team of doctors, and optometry assessments which included a complimentary pair of spectacles issued to the drivers before leaving the MAC if required.

Guud Drivers highlighted that the RTMC found that 88.3% of road accidents in South Africa are caused by human factors. These factors are greatly influenced by a driver's ability to see and general health state.  Of the 102 drivers they tested, 70 required spectacles, underscoring the dire need for better access to vision care.

Nurse Zandie Mbeshu from Guud Drivers commented: “Working alongside Engen on this campaign reaffirmed my career choice. Seeing drivers leave with smiles, appreciative for the service—whether renewing PrDPs, linking them to local health facilities, or simply confirming their health—was immensely rewarding.”

Mari Black, Head of Marketing & Communications at Guud Drivers, also emphasised the impact of the campaign.

“The high number of commercial drivers that we assessed during this campaign that required spectacles – 69%, highlights the critical need for optometry services, especially since commercial drivers rely heavily on their eyesight to ensure they are fit to drive.

Added Black: “The partnership with Engen allows us to reach more drivers, empowering them to improve their health, providing them with spectacles if required, and ensuring safer roads for all users. We look forward to expanding the reach of this campaign next year.”

Adnaan Emeran, Engen’s Commercial Marketing and Business Development Manager, highlighted the Driver Wellness Programme’s commitment to truck drivers' health over the past decade.

"This initiative offers essential health screenings and lifestyle advice, making a real difference to both fleet owners and drivers,” said Emeran.

To further support drivers’ ongoing healthcare needs, Engen has established six permanent wellness clinics at key truck stop locations:

•      Beaufort West Truck Stop
•      Musina Gateway Truck Stop
•      PE Gone South Truck Stop
•      Harrismith Highway Junction Truck Stop
•      East London Kempston Truck Stop
•      Kokstad Truck Stop

Manqina expressed Engen’s deep respect for the transport industry: "Our relationship with the transport sector spans decades, recognising its crucial role in South Africa’s economy. We’re proud to support the health of those who keep our country moving."

Added Emeran: "Truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our highways. The long hours and demands of the job make initiatives like the Driver Wellness Programme essential for their well-being and road safety.

“With 90% of South Africa’s goods transported by road, this campaign contributes to keeping our economy moving.”

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