On 12 March 2020, the City’s Occupational Health and Safety Fleet Risk Control Division hosted the City’s Driver of the Year Competition at the Turfhall Stadium in Lansdowne. Up to 170 staff members from different City departments took part in the competition.

The competition started in 1995 and has since been held annually.

The objective of the competition is to enhance the drivers’ road safety knowledge, prevent and reduce crashes and aim to reduce fleet maintenance costs. The competition also gives recognition to all good drivers who use the City’s vehicles on a daily basis.

On the day of the competition, the participants are required to carry out different manoeuvres with the vehicle. The aim of these exercises is to assess the participant’s driving skills.

The participants in the competition are permanent City employees from different departments. There are specific selection criteria, which include being in possession of a valid code B, C1, C, EC1 and EC licence, as well as a Professional Driving Permit.

Participants will each receive a certificate for participating. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive a trophy, certificate and a gift at a separate awards handover ceremony.

‘I want to commend all staff who willingly put their driving skills under the spotlight in this competition. This shows their commitment to being proud City ambassadors by displaying high levels of competency in meeting the challenges of the competition. We acknowledge also that these driving skills play a big part in ensuring that key components of the City’s operations function effectively. The number of drivers taking part in this competition is testament to its success. In 25 years, the number of participants has increased steadily and currently stands at 170. This initiative epitomises leading by example and we commend all involved,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Sharon Cottle.

Source: City Of Cape Town