The SaferStops Association has announced its programme for the upcoming Truck Driver Safety & Wellness Symposium that takes place in Boksburg next month.
The association is hosting the two-day symposium in collaboration with 23 private and public sector partners at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre from May 8-9.
The event will offer an immersive experience, featuring 15 specialised workshops designed to address both the professional and personal needs of truck drivers, fleet operators and driver trainers.
SaferStops Association CEO Nicci Scott-Anderson said the health of truck drivers was vital to the success of transport businesses, and the symposium was “a movement” to build a legacy of care and resilience.
"This isn’t just another event, it’s a movement. The second annual Truck Driver Safety and Wellness Symposium brings fleet operators and drivers together for hands-on solutions that boost performance, prioritise well-being, and drive business success. We’re shaping the future of transport, one driver at a time.
“Truck drivers are not just essential workers, they are the beating heart of the transport industry. Their health and well-being are the foundation of financial success, safety, and operational excellence. It’s time we recognise that investing in drivers is investing in the future of our businesses,” Scott-Anderson said.
"The transport industry needs bold leaders who see beyond telemetry and AI, who invest in human-centred strategies that make roads safer and businesses stronger. Let’s restore dignity to an overstressed workforce and build a legacy of care and resilience.”
Symposium participants will explore financial wellness through sessions on everyday banking, debt management, the Consumer Protection Act and Code of Banking Practice, safeguarding against banking scams and phishing, as well as debit order management.
Living with Confidence workshops will provide clarity on drafting last wills and testaments.
The programme will also provide guidance on achieving work-life balance, an essential yet often neglected aspect of the life of a truck driver, alongside strategies for building mental health resilience.
Physical wellness management will be a key theme, with sessions offering practical advice on maintaining health in the context of long-haul driving, while sessions on the safe delivery of cargo will focus on road safety and the importance of quality stops.
There will also be a talk on human trafficking and its impact on victims, families, communities and organisations whose employees are caught engaging in the crime.
These sessions will be complemented by technical presentations by representatives of truck manufacturers Isuzu, Hino, Iveco, MAN, Volvo and UD Trucks, and will delve into economical driving techniques.
Registration closes on April 18. Only 200 driver spaces are available, so early booking is essential. Companies can register up to four drivers free of charge at https://qkt.io/fmgbm6 or by emailing Alan@saferstops.co.za to request EFT payment options.
Transport operations personnel are also welcome to attend at R1 350 per person for the two days, excluding accommodation.
