SiMaz Group picks girl power for new DAF Trucks
The success of large national and multinational mining companies in South Africa is heavily dependent on transport and logistics solutions. This is where companies such as the SiMaz Group come in and keep the wheels of the industry turning, by providing road transport and logistics solutions to mines, power stations and processing plants.
Wiseman Sitole, CEO of SiMaz Group, says that the Mpumalanga-based transport and mining logistic services company was founded in 2014, and provides a turnkey solution in terms of coal handling, coal stockpile management and coal transportation. From humble beginnings, SiMaz Group is well on its way to becoming a road transport and logistics solution of choice for mining companies in the coal mining industry.
“We are in a growth phase with great potential to increase our current staff complement of 108, and grow our fleet,” says Sitole. As part of this expansion process, SiMaz Group purchased five brand-new DAF XF Trucks that were unveiled earlier this year. The new DAF XF480 Premium Plus trucks will be used for hauling of coal using side tipper twin bin super link trailers.
“We partnered with Babcock and DAF Trucks based on experiences shared with us by some of our clients who are familiar with and support the DAF brand. We had the best sales experience with Babcock’s Fayyaz Adam from inception of the process to delivery of the trucks, and I would recommend him any day to all my colleagues in this business,” says Sitole.
As a company on the up, Sitole says that part of their growth strategy was to empower previously disadvantaged females in the mining industry. Consequently, the company employed female drivers to steer the new DAF trucks.
“We have learnt that women tend to look after the health and safety of the trucks much better, and they keep them clean as much as possible which tends to reduce down-time on our fleet,” attests Sitole.
It’s a win-win situation – creating opportunities for women in the industry, while ensuring the new DAF trucks get a woman’s touch.