By Nomazulu Moyo
Johannesburg – Gift Moyo, a 45-year-old truck driver from Plumtree, Zimbabwe, has shared insights into the challenges and experiences of his profession. Moyo began driving trucks in 2010, finding it to be the only job that offered a decent living wage given his academic struggles.
In an interview, Moyo explained the hurdles he faces daily. “There are a lot of challenges we face on the road,” he said. Safety is a significant concern, especially in areas lacking proper truck stops. “We sleep where we are not sure if we will see the next day,” he added.
Moyo also highlighted issues related to parking and hygiene. “In most places, trucks are not allowed in towns, or we can’t park where there are proper shops, making it difficult to get our daily needs,” he noted. Additionally, finding showers can be challenging, affecting his ability to maintain hygiene.
The nature of truck driving often involves dealing with permits. “Sometimes we don’t get abnormal permits in time, which delays our trips. Each province has its own permit, and each load must have its permit,” Moyo explained.
Extended periods away from home are another difficulty. “We can stay more than a month without going home, missing the family always. Clean clothes are always a problem,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Moyo finds some days better than others. “Days are not the same. At times we have a very good day without anything to complain about. We meet very nice people at loading and offloading points,” he remarked. However, he also deals with difficult clients and stresses the importance of maintaining a good temperament as the face of his company.
Moyo further stated that while challenges are a part of any job, there are also plenty of enjoyable moments. ”For instance, while working, I’ve had the chance to drive across Kruger National Park, spotting a variety of animals along the way. I’ve explored numerous South African beaches and visited three stunning beaches in Mozambique. These experiences highlight that there’s a lot of fun to be had while making a living.”
When it comes to breakdowns, Moyo described his company’s policy. “It depends on what breakdown you have. If it’s a tyre puncture, I take it out and place it. Some minor things we try to fix after getting a go-ahead from the office. For major issues, if we are not far, a company mechanic will come; if we are too far, they find a local mechanic,” he said.
Moyo shared that crossing borders often involves long waits but praised the Lesotho border for its efficiency despite challenging roads. “Lesotho is number one since we don’t spend too much time waiting for papers; the only problem is the road, with mountains, small roads, and sharp curves,” he explained.
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Balancing work and family life is another tricky aspect of his job. Moyo appreciates that abnormal loads are not allowed on public roads during weekends and public holidays, which allows him to spend weekends with his family in Johannesburg when he’s in the area. However, this can be complicated when he’s working in distant locations like Cape Town.
Gift Moyo’s experiences reflect the demanding nature of truck driving, showcasing both the challenges and moments of satisfaction that come with the job.
