Safe, skilled and responsible driving is at the heart of efficient transport operations, and for UD Trucks, developing and recognising professional drivers is an important part of delivering on its promise of Ultimate Dependability.
This commitment was brought to life at the 2026 UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge – SSA Hub Local Competition, held at Zwartkops Raceway in Centurion, where professional drivers from across the region came together to demonstrate their driving skills, vehicle knowledge and commitment to safe and efficient operations.
Professional drivers from across Southern Africa competed in two vehicle categories – UD Quon and UD Quester – putting their skills to the test through a series of practical assessments designed to reflect the demands of real-world transport operations. The competition assessed drivers across key areas including pre-trip vehicle inspection, safe and fuel-efficient driving, vehicle handling and manoeuvring, and overall operational excellence.
Following the rigorous assessments, two Ultimate Drivers emerged victorious:
- Quon Ultimate Driver: Sifiso Mabuza, Roadtrain Investments – South Africa
- Quester Ultimate Driver: Farhard Abdurahaman Omar, Shalfah Logistics Limited – Kenya
Both winners will now represent the Southern Africa Hub at the 2026 UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge Global Final, taking place at the UD Experience Center in Ageo, Japan, from 20–22 October 2026, where they will compete against some of the world's leading professional commercial vehicle drivers.
Graham Kolm, General Manager: SSA Markets at UD Trucks, said the Extra Mile Challenge reflects UD Trucks' focus on supporting customers beyond the vehicle itself.
“At UD Trucks, we believe that Ultimate Dependability is about more than the truck. It is about the people, the knowledge and the practices that keep transport operations moving safely and efficiently. Our drivers are an essential part of that equation. Through the Extra Mile Challenge and our driver development initiatives, we are investing in the skills and knowledge that help drivers get the most from their vehicles while operating safely and responsibly.”
Filip Van den Heede, Managing Director at UD Trucks Southern Africa, congratulated all the participants and highlighted the significance of recognising professional drivers.
“The Extra Mile Challenge is a celebration of the people behind the wheel and the professionalism they bring to an industry that is critical to our economies. Every driver who participated demonstrated a commitment to improving their skills and going the extra mile. We are incredibly proud of Sifiso and Farhad and look forward to supporting them as they represent our region in Japan.”
Beyond the competition itself, the Extra Mile Challenge provides UD Trucks with an opportunity to reinforce the importance of road safety, driver professionalism, fuel efficiency and vehicle care across the transport industry. These principles are fundamental to helping customers operate productive and sustainable businesses while ensuring that drivers return safely to their families every day.
