25 November 2025
Sandile Sitsholwana (33) has been named the Shoprite Group’s 2025 Driver of the Year, emerging as the top performer among 1 658 colleagues from South Africa and neighbouring countries in the retailer’s annual competition.
Sitsholwana, who joined the Group in 2024, hails from Botshabelo in the Free State and is the first-ever winner from Bloemfontein in the competition’s 13-year history. The national final, held in Cape Town, brought together 13 finalists for a day of intense competition – combining rigorous practical assessments and a demanding written exam.
Finalists are selected through regional rounds and are assessed on their theoretical knowledge of road rules, vehicle classification, and company policies, followed by practical yard and on-road tests, overseen by national safety authorities.
“I started out as a taxi driver in 2013. I’ve always loved driving – the travelling, meeting new people, and experiencing our beautiful country through its road network. My advice to young drivers? Work hard, be punctual, stay calm and patient. A good attitude goes a long way behind the wheel. I’d like to thank Shoprite for giving us this great opportunity to test our skills and learn from each other,” he said shortly after his win.
- Sandile Sitsholwana (33), The Shoprite Group’s 2025 Driver of the Year
Sandile Sitsholwana (33), Shoprite Group’s 2025 Driver of the Year.
The Driver of the Year competition is one of the ways the Group puts its commitment to road safety, operational excellence, and driver development into action. It recognises the standout performers across a transport operation that continues to grow at scale and complexity.
Over the past year, the Group’s transport division – operating one of the largest fleets in South Africa – completed well over 900 000 deliveries.
Supporting this scale is a strong focus on safety and wellness. All trucks in the 1 078-strong fleet are equipped with state-of-the-art fatigue management systems, including real-time facial recognition technology, in-cab alerts, and seat vibration systems that help prevent fatigue-related incidents.
In the 2025 financial year, drivers underwent more than 28 000 hours of training across 7 812 sessions, covering everything from defensive driving to fleet safety protocols. Wellness support is also a priority, with the Group subsidising registered dietitian consultations – ensuring drivers remain healthy and fit for the demands of the road.
“In a world where road safety is paramount, driver training and readiness play a crucial role in ensuring our roads are safe for everyone. Our investment in people like Sandile is an investment in a safer, more professional fleet – and ultimately, a safer South Africa.”
- Andrew Havinga, Chief Supply Chain Officer at the Group
For Sitsholwana, the recognition is deeply personal. “This win is not just mine. It belongs to my family, my community, and every driver who believes in doing things the right way. I hope my story inspires others to push forward, stay focused, and never stop learning.”