Niël Terblanché
Residents of the Erongo Region came together and hosted a ceremony at the police roadblock in Swakopmund to express their appreciation and gratitude to the hardworking men and women who make up the trucking industry and the crucial role they play in society.
Neville Andre, the Governor of the Erongo Region, while speaking at the “Thank a Trucker Wellness Day” organized by the Walvis Bay Corridor Group said the event is held in honour of the dedication of truck drivers and to promote their overall well-being.
Andre stressed the importance of recognizing the trucking community and their tireless efforts in ensuring the seamless transport of goods nationwide.
“Without their unwavering dedication, the wheels of commerce and industry would come to a grinding halt,” he said.
He added that truck drivers, as the backbone of the nation’s economy, often face long hours on the road, enduring the challenges of treacherous terrains and the demands of their profession. Andre stressed the importance of prioritizing their well-being and providing them with the necessary support.
The “Thank a Trucker Wellness Day” was organized by the Walvis Bay Corridor Group and showcased various services designed to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional health of truckers. Services include health screenings, educational workshops, relaxation sessions, and entertainment.
Andre also reiterated the need for continuous support and upliftment of the trucking community. He also advocated for their rights and ensuring fair working conditions.
He stressed truckers’ significant impact on road safety through their expertise, diligence, and adherence to regulations, making roads safer for all.
Andre expressed his gratitude to the Walvis Bay Corridor Group for their exceptional efforts in organizing this meaningful event, hoping that it serves as a stepping stone toward a brighter future for the trucking community.
He called upon people to respect and value the contributions of truckers, ensure their safety through responsible driving, and provide the necessary infrastructure and resources.
On the day, the Walvis Bay Corridor Group and other sponsors from the transport sector provided free health care to about 200 truckers.
Community Health Care Worker, Matias Nangolo, said that truck drivers are an essential part of trade in Southern Africa because they are the people who work tirelessly to transport goods, including food and fuel, along a network of corridors, no matter the time, weather, or risk.
WBCG Marketing Manager Maria Paulus said that Thank a Trucker Wellness Day is an initiative that started in 2021 with organizers handing out hampers to the various drivers.
“However, in 2022, we along with our benefactors and sponsors introduced the wellness element,” Paulus added.
According to Paulus, the campaign is aimed at raising awareness of road safety amongst truckers, as well as their importance of keeping the economy moving and appreciating the truck drivers as frontline heroes.
“The campaign aims to provide the truckers with a variety of biomedical wellness screening services, and promote health-seeking behaviour while raising awareness of the WBCG’s Roadside Wellness Clinics which are strategically located along all major corridors,” she said.
According to Paulus, the initiative has, thus far, assisted more than 500 truckers in Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana.
