The Musina testing grounds were a hive of thrilling activities as drivers battled for excellence during the Vhembe District Local Driver of the Year competition on Saturday.

The drivers competed in four categories, viz. rigid trucks, articulated trucks, light delivery van (LDV) and rigid with trailer.

The spokesperson of Musina Municipality, Wilson Dzebu, said the main objective of the competition was to determine the driving skills of drivers. “The annual Driver of the Year contest identifies and honours the best men and women traveling the roads today. These are the people who drive safely and enhance the image of drivers on our roads. This competition is very important, because millions of people who use our roads every day deserve safer roads. The competition will also limit the increasing number of avoidable deaths on our roads.”

Dzebu said drivers were tested on a public road and also inside the testing ground. “The skills displayed were impressive, and we have no doubt that the the winning drivers will represent Musina well during the district competitions at PR Mphephu Airport in September this year."

He said the competition improved the knowledge, skills and attitudes of drivers on South Africa's roads. “We would like to express gratitude to all the drivers who emerged successful in the competition. We also encourage those who did not win to come and participate again next year.”

Mr Pat Nemaguvhuni, who won the rigid-with-trailer category, said he knew he was going to do it "because I’m a confident driver who always follows the rules of the road. I have no doubt that I will represent Musina well during the district competitions in September.” The other winners are Ndivhudzannyi Sinyela (rigid), Phanuel Nemaungani (light delivery van/LDV), Rose Malinda (LDV) and Enos Mudau (articulated).