The SaferStops Association, in collaboration with 23 private and public sector partners, is excited to announce an extensive and comprehensive programme for the upcoming Truck Driver Safety & Wellness Symposium, scheduled for 8-9th of May at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg.

Total Immersion

The two-day 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.

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 bespoke 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 and wellbeing in the context of long-haul driving. In terms of technical wellness, the session titled "Delivering Cargo Safely and Responsibly: How to stay safe on the road" will undoubtedly be of particular interest.

The SaferStops Association’s initiatives, which are aimed at improving driver wellbeing through better infrastructure and support systems, is yet another focal point. There is even a session detailing how quality truck stops support driver wellbeing, while assisting with asset protection. The programme has also been expanded to include a speaking slot on the scourge of Human Trafficking and its impact to the people being trafficked, to families and communities and the organisation whose employees are caught engaging in this activity.

These sessions will be complemented by technical presentations from leading truck manufacturers Isuzu, Hino, Iveco, MAN, Volvo and UD Trucks, which will delve into economical driving techniques. In addition, industry exhibitors will showcase innovative solutions and services, enriching the Symposium's offerings.

Unprecedented Opportunity

The Symposium has made a significant commitment to accessibility and support by offering free attendance for truck drivers, including one night's accommodation at no extra charge.

Transport operations personnel are also welcome to attend, with a fee of R1,350 per person for the two days, excluding accommodation.

Drivers will receive significant benefits, including a full medical assessment, encompassing optometry and free spectacles if required, participation in all expert-led workshops, complimentary lodging at the Birchwood Hotel, a generous goodie bag packed with useful resources, and unparalleled networking opportunities with industry peers and professionals.

The heart of the transport industry

“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,” says Nicci Scott-Anderson, CEO of the SaferStops Association.

"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."

"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.”

Industry Support and Registration Details

The Symposium enjoys robust support from key industry players, including Absa, the Road Accident Fund, Santam, the Commercial Transport Academy, CVLC Communication, the Driver Bureau, Engen, Guud Drivers, Hollard, OneLogix, PowerFleet, Sasol, iCam Video Telematics, Sanral, Unitrans, TruckFuelNet, Zolabix, Trucking Wellness, Arrive Alive, the Road Freight Association (RFA), the SA Express Parcel Association (SAEPA), the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) and the Transport Forum.

With registration closing on 18 April and only 200 driver spaces available, early booking is essential.