A nationwide health push for South Africa’s truck drivers has revealed concerning trends, with more than half of screened drivers requiring medical follow-up.
The findings come from this year’s Driver Wellness campaign, which reached 1 503 truckers with free tests during Transport Month.
For more than a decade, the Engen’s annual Driver Wellness campaign has empowered truck drivers to take charge of their health, despite the long hours and challenges of life on the road.
The participating drivers received full health screenings, covering blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, malaria, TB, STIs, HIV/AIDS and Body Mass Index (BMI).
The screenings also highlighted the importance of preventative healthcare, offering drivers rare access to medical professionals during their demanding schedules.
Key findings from 2025 include:
• 53.6% of drivers had abnormal results requiring follow-up
• 9.9% showed high or abnormal blood pressure
• 28.9% recorded elevated cholesterol or blood sugar (18.1% high cholesterol, 10.8% high blood sugar)
Olwethu Mdabula, Engen’s CSI Manager, said the company remains committed to supporting truckers’ well-being.
“Truck drivers play an indispensable role in driving our economy forward. Through this campaign, Engen aims to make their health and safety a national priority, because when drivers are healthy, our roads and supply chains are safer too.”
Beyond the mobile screenings, the campaign provides year-round support through six Trucking Wellness clinics located at key truck stops in Beaufort West, Musina, Port Elizabeth, East London, Harrismith, and Kokstad. These facilities offer ongoing access to healthcare professionals, treatment, and counselling services long after Transport Month ends.
Tertius Wessels, Project Manager of Trucking Wellness, praised Engen’s long-term commitment.
“Our collaboration with Engen enables us to reach drivers where they live and work, on the road. The ongoing support provided through both mobile and fixed clinics ensures continuity of care, early diagnosis, and ultimately safer roads for everyone.”
Adnaan Emeran, the company’s Commercial Marketing and Business Development Manager, emphasised the broader purpose of the campaign:
“Driver wellness is more than just check-ups; it’s about caring for the people who keep our economy moving. Our partnership with Trucking Wellness reflects our belief that health and safety go hand in hand with productivity and sustainability in the transport industry. We remain committed to expanding access to healthcare for truckers and supporting the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s road freight sector.”
In partnership with Trucking Wellness, an initiative of the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI), this year’s campaign offered free voluntary health screenings at 29 truck stops across eight provinces between October 20, and November 13, 2025.
Saturday Star