Mr Humbulani Ramasunzi emerged as the overall winner of the Vhembe District Driver of the Year competition, which was held at the Makhado testing grounds on Saturday.

The drivers compete in six categories: rigid trucks, articulated trucks, light delivery van, rigid with trailer and male and female bus category.

The senior manager for road safety in the province, Mr Zacharia Mkhabela, said that the main objective of the competition was to revise the driving skills of drivers in the country. “We test all the drivers on a public road and also inside the testing ground. It’s like when a person is getting tested for a driver’s license,” he said. He acknowledged that they were pleased to see that the number of participants for this year’s competition had increased dramatically, especially as more women were also taking part. “This really shows that people are taking the competition very seriously.”

All participants received certificates. Ms Marry Malisha of Great North Transport obtained the first position in the female bus category, while Ms Tshimangadzo Dzegere of Great North Transport finished second and Ms Gail Rikhotso Negogogo, also from Great North Transport, was in third place.

Mr Humbulani Ramasunzi of Great North Transport won the male bus category, Mr James Ramasunzi of Great North Transport ended in second position and Mr Alpheus Mathavhani of Mulaudzi Bus company ended in third position.

The winners of the articulated truck category were Messrs Peter Chauke (1st), Mathews Maemu of Phadziri & Sons (2nd) and Edward Siobo of Water Affairs (3rd).

In the category rigid truck with trailer, the results are: Messrs Morris Khorommbi (1st), Mathakha Ndouvhada (2nd) and Patrick Nemaguvhuni (3rd) and the winners in the category for rigid trucks were Messrs Ndiafhi Mukhuba, Thifhelimbilu Ramaano and Calvin Phalandwa.

In the category for light delivery vans, the medals went to Tshifhiwa Munyai, Livhuwani Thavhanyedza and Seleka Ramaphala.