More than 125 senior executives from across the transport and logistics industry gathered in London on Tuesday (28 October) for Transaid’s annual showcase event, held in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, patron of the international development organisation.
The event was also attended by Her Excellency the High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, along with corporate partners, supporters, and friends of the charity. It was held at the offices of Eversheds Sutherland, with support from sponsors BIFA, the RHA, UKWA and the Woodland Group.
Addressing attendees, Caroline Barber, Chief Executive of Transaid, said: “I am so grateful to this incredible industry that works together to build a fairer and more sustainable future. This community knows how to come together, solve problems and get things done.
“We believe that everyone has the right to travel safely without the fear that they may not come home because of a lack of training, or dangerous vehicles and roads. Everyone has the right to access healthcare, and every person should have the opportunity to build the skills they need to transform their future.”
Sharing her experience of benefitting from Transaid’s work, Sharon Petrus, Chairwoman of South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Women’s Desk for the Northern Region, said: “In 2021, I first started working with Transaid. Together, we ran training for women in transport, covering topics such as safe driving, pre-drive checks and first aid. The project has given us as women a way forward to be empowered.”
Guest speaker Robert Jervis, Event Director for Multimodal and a Transaid Ambassador, said: “When I discovered Transaid, I didn’t need much persuading to get involved. The mission, values and dedication of the team really chimed with me. Earlier this year, I walked 149 miles over seven days, and 37 clients, colleagues, friends, and supporters joined me to help spread the word and to raise funds for Transaid.
“Being a Transaid Ambassador is a privilege – but honestly, I have only played a small part. Other people have done so much more than me. Multimodal has helped hugely and will continue to do so.”
The Showcase also provided an opportunity to present the annual Victor Simfukwe Award, in honour of the former Transaid team member who passed away in 2019 following a road traffic crash in Zambia. Sponsored by Impress Communications, the award was presented to Ernest Chanda, Project Technical Coordinator for the MAMaZ programmes, for his outstanding dedication to the project and ensuring impact across communities. Transaid Project Manager, Dennis Simuyuni, was also highly commended for his excellent work ethic and can-do attitude.
Barber used the occasion to announce Transaid’s new Transport Research Bursary, developed to encourage young researchers aged 18-30 in sub-Saharan Africa to develop new ideas for access to health and road safety projects. The successful applicant will receive mentoring guidance and an opportunity to present their findings to the transport industry.
Transaid was founded in 1998 by Save the Children, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) to work with communities, partners and governments to address transport challenges across sub-Saharan Africa. It is currently operating 12 programmes across nine countries.
For more information and to find out how you can support the organisation visit www.transaid.org.
