BLOEMFONTEIN – The ability of truck driver Sandile Sitsholwana (33) to consistently maintain high standards in road safety and safe deliveries has earned him the coveted Shoprite Group 2025 Driver of the Year award. The Botshabelo-born driver is the first candidate from the Free State to receive the prestigious crown in the 13 years of the competition.
Sitsholwana was announced as the overall winner at a prize-giving function held in Cape Town on Tuesday, 25 November. He was among the 13 finalists selected from 1,658 drivers across South Africa and neighbouring countries. Sitsholwana joined the retail group last year, having begun as a taxi driver back in 2013. He explained that his love for being on the road and connecting with people inspired him to become a driver.
Winning the prestigious prize just over a year after joining the retail group is remarkable for Sitsholwana. His hard work, discipline, and a passion for safe as well as responsible driving saw him rise to the helm. The 13 national finalists went through a day of intense competition – combining rigorous practical assessments and a demanding written exam. Finalists are selected through regional rounds and are assessed on their theoretical knowledge of road rules, vehicle classification, and company policies, followed by practical yard and on-road tests, overseen by national safety authorities.
“This win is not just mine. It belongs to my family, my community, and every driver who believes in doing things the right way. I hope my story inspires others to push forward, stay focused, and never stop learning,” said Sitsholwana.
“I have always loved driving – the travelling, meeting new people, and experiencing our beautiful country through its road network. My advice to young drivers: work hard, be punctual, stay calm and patient. A good attitude goes a long way behind the wheel,” Sitsholwana explained.
“I’d like to thank Shoprite for giving us this great opportunity to test our skills and learn from each other,” he said. Sitsholwana’s contribution has resulted in the group safely completing well over 900,000 deliveries countrywide.
The Driver of the Year competition is one of the ways the retail group puts its commitment to road safety, operational excellence, and driver development into action. It recognises the standout performers across a transport operation that continues to grow at scale and complexity.
In the 2025 financial year, drivers underwent more than 28,000 hours of training across 7,812 sessions, covering everything from defensive driving to fleet safety protocols.
“In a world where road safety is paramount, driver training and readiness play a crucial role in ensuring our roads are safe for everyone,” says Andrew Havinga, Chief Supply Chain Officer at the Group. “Our investment in people like Sandile is an investment in a safer, more professional fleet – and ultimately, a safer South Africa.”
