Engen Petroleum has set a new benchmark in road transport safety, becoming the first and only oil company in South Africa to achieve Road Transport Management System (RTMS) certification for its entire national fleet of heavy vehicles. Awarded by JC Auditors (JCA), this prestigious certification underscores Engen’s unwavering commitment to good governance, safety, and compliance in the transportation of hazardous materials.

The RTMS certification handover ceremony took place on 22 January 2025 at Engen’s KwaZulu-Natal Regional Office, where Bonnie Moyo, National Transport and Logistics Manager, was recognised as a key driver in spearheading Engen’s RTMS journey. His vision and leadership were instrumental in ensuring that Engen successfully embedded RTMS principles into its operations nationwide.

“Achieving RTMS certification for Engen’s national fleet is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and compliance. This certification strengthens our ability to transport dangerous goods safely and responsibly while ensuring we play our part in making South Africa’s roads safer for all users,” said Bonnie Moyo at the certification handover.

Echoing these sentiments, Zeenett Naidoo, Transport Compliance Officer, added: “RTMS is more than just a certification for us—it is a structured, data-driven approach to fleet safety and efficiency. This achievement reflects the dedication of our team in maintaining the highest transport safety standards.”

At the handover event, Chris Stretch, Director of Freight Transport at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, congratulated and commended Engen on its exceptional achievement. He stated, “The government recognises and fully supports initiatives like RTMS, which contribute significantly to road safety and responsible fleet management. Engen’s leadership in achieving RTMS certification sets a powerful example for the broader transport industry.”

A Commitment to Safety and Best Practices

JC Auditors team conducted rigorous audits at each of Engen’s regional depots across various provinces, ensuring compliance with stringent safety, operational, and risk management requirements. JC Auditors, with 18 years of RTMS auditing experience, witnessed first-hand the tangible commitment of the Engen team throughout the certification process.  

According to Oliver Naidoo, Managing Director of JC Auditors, “Engen’s RTMS certification is a significant milestone, particularly in the transport of dangerous goods. By securing certification across its entire fleet, Engen has demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting safer roads and best practices in fleet management.”

The Proven Benefits of RTMS Certification

RTMS is a voluntary self-regulation standard, supported by the Department of Transport and various key industry associations and stakeholders, focused on enhancing road safety, vehicle maintenance, driver wellness, and load management. Over the past two decades, South African transporters have seen substantial benefits from RTMS certification, including:

• Reduction in accidents and incidents
• Improved payload optimisation
• Enhanced vehicle utilisation, leading to fewer breakdowns
• Reduction in high-risk driving behaviours (e.g. unsafe speeds, harsh acceleration/braking)
• Minimised driver fatigue through structured monitoring and interventions
• Focused preventive maintenance, with case studies showing a notable reduction in crashes

RTMS requirements align closely with Engen’s Road Transport Safety Operating Guidelines (RTSOG), which govern the company’s dangerous goods transport management system. RTSOG ensures that Engen’s transport operations adhere to the highest safety and regulatory standards, reinforcing the company’s proactive approach to risk mitigation in fuel distribution.

As part of the certification process, JC Auditors applied key South African National Standards (SANS), including SANS 10231, which provides guidelines for the transport of dangerous goods by road. These standards formed a critical part of the assessment, ensuring that Engen’s operations comply with best practices for hazardous material transport.

A National Commitment to Road Safety and Supply Chain Efficiency

With road safety a national priority, JC Auditors continues to promote RTMS as a key component in improving South Africa’s supply chain. Safe roads allow for efficient transport operations, benefiting the broader economy by enhancing supply chain reliability.