By Maphuti Machabaphala
An official from Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) has been named as Driver of the Year 2023/24 during a ceremony held at the Polokwane International Airport on the 12 October 2024.
Philemon Rachuene Thopane, a driver operator attached to Land Care and Land Use Management, has participated in the competition under Light Delivery Vehicle category. He drove-over 21 participants from different public and private organizations at a district level attaining position one. He was awarded with a Gold Trophy, a travelling bag, and a branded umbrella, all from the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety.
The initiative is the brainchild of the Transport that seek to promote safe driving during the October month famously known as Transport Month.
The purpose of this competition is to find the best drivers in various categories, with the aim of promoting and encouraging driver education and improve the standard of driving in all motor vehicle categories.
The competition consisted of various testing courses including a written theory test, pre-trip inspection, road test and a track test to test the driver’s knowledgeability of road situations and rules of the road including signs. Also, the aim of the various tests was to test the driver’s ability to manoeuvre a vehicle in confined spaces, the correct handling of the vehicle and lastly to test the driver’s knowledge and habits regarding roadworthiness of the vehicle.
In his words, Rachuene, said, “I am very pleased and honoured to have been a part of this prestigious competition and to come out victorious while representing my department. I encourage all drivers that qualify to participate in such competitions and to practice safe and considerate driving, while not forgetting to abide by the rules of the road to arrive alive at the end of the day. Lastly, I encourage fellow drivers to be knowledgeable of the rules of the road because any breach of the rules can result in serious consequences and can be life threatening to you and the next driver on the road.”
Rachuene has since progressed to the next phase of the competition where he will be competing on a provincial level with fellow drivers from the province of Limpopo during the last week of October as Transport Month will be coming to an end and is optimistic that he will put his best foot forward and continue representing LDARD with pride as the best driver in the province.
