UD Trucks Southern Africa (UDTSA) continues to make strides in the local automotive industry, securing three prestigious awards at the 2024 naamsa | Automobile Business Council Awards. The awards ceremony, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday, 18 October, marked the conclusion of a week-long celebration of South Africa’s automotive achievements with 100-year anniversary, culminating in an inspiring awards ceremony.
This year’s naamsa awards took place as part of South Africa's Auto Week, themed "Reimagining the Future Together," which commemorated 100 years of the country’s automotive history. Running from 14 to 18 October, the event drew key industry players, stakeholders, and government representatives to discuss the future of the automotive sector, including a significant moment with Filip Van den Heede, Managing Director of UD Trucks Southern Africa, engaging with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Reflecting on this interaction, Van den Heede commented: "It was an absolute honour to meet President Ramaphosa and discuss the importance of innovation and sustainability in South Africa’s automotive future. His passion for developing the industry and creating opportunities for all South Africans resonates deeply with our mission at UD Trucks."
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the awards ceremony, where UD Trucks Southern Africa received three major recognitions for its contributions to transformation and empowerment in the medium-heavy commercial vehicle (MHCV) sector. The accolades included:
- Job Creator – MHCV Employment Award
- Youth Empowering MHCV Mana Award
- Women Empowering MHCV Mana Award
These awards underscore UDTSA’s commitment to driving meaningful change, particularly in the areas of job creation, youth development, and gender inclusivity. This recognition builds on the company's momentum, having previously won two awards at the 2023 ceremony.
Van den Heede expressed his pride in the company's achievements, stating: "These awards are a testament to our unwavering dedication to transformation and empowerment across the industry. At UD Trucks Southern Africa, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is the key to driving progress, not only within our company but throughout the broader automotive landscape."
Janet Frost, Director of Human Resources at UD Trucks Southern Africa, echoed this sentiment: "Transformation is at the heart of what we do. Our programs, such as the YES (Youth Employment Service) initiative, have successfully led to permanent employment for several candidates, creating pathways to lasting careers. Additionally, our Ultimate Women Program is breaking new ground by extending beyond the trucking industry to include bus driver training, further promoting gender inclusivity in historically male-dominated fields."
As part of its expanding corporate social responsibility programs aimed at driving transformation, UD Trucks Southern Africa has joined the SaferStops association, an initiative dedicated to improving the standards of truck stops across South Africa. The association focuses on enhancing driver well-being by ensuring cleaner, safer facilities, offering healthy meal options, and providing access to medical care while on the road. Additional amenities, such as gym facilities, are also being explored to further promote driver wellness. Through these efforts, UD Trucks remains committed to its purpose of "Better Life," ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all on the road.
The recognition of UD Trucks Southern Africa at this year’s naamsa awards highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to push boundaries and reimagine the future of the South African automotive industry through inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.
