Mamoja Trading & Projects partnered with Fleet Watch Magazine on a Brake & Tyre Watch Campaign to encourage truck owners and drivers to be RTMS certified for road compliance, safety, and roadworthy awareness. The Road Transport Management System (RTMS) is a self-regulation initiative that has already shown outstanding results since its implementation and supports the Department of Transport’s National Overload Control Strategy (NOCS).
Despite concerted and ongoing efforts for an effective law enforcement strategy by the road and traffic authorities, the sharp increase in heavy vehicle traffic and the effects of overloading continue to be a major problem on South African roads. Overloading causes premature road deterioration and, together with inadequate vehicle maintenance, high levels of driver fatigue and poor driver health care programs, contributes significantly to South Africa’s poor road safety record.
RTMS is an industry–led, government-supported, voluntary, self-regulation scheme that encourages consignees, consignors & road transport operators to implement a management system (a set of standards) that demonstrates compliance with the Road Traffic Regulations and contributes to preserving road infrastructure, improving road safety & increasing productivity. The RTMS National Standard has been published by the South Africa Bureau of Standards (SABS) and compliance is assessed by SANAS accredited 3rd party auditors.
Mamoja took part in the Brake & Tyre Watch Campaign with Fleet Watch Magazine and other partners like Standard Bank Transport Support. They not only gave the truck drivers and owners the theory on road safety but reinforced it through a practical looking out for trucks that are roadworthy and RTMS certified. Mamoja CEO and Founder Annah Ngxeketo is RTMS certified and was a part of the team of officials leading the campaign. In summary, RTMS therefore is a system that voluntarily regulates the heavy vehicle industry and has achieved significant results in: • Reduction and minimisation of overloading • Preventing road damage and preserving our infrastructure • Enhancing the safety of heavy vehicles on our national roads • Taking care of truck drivers’ health (Driver Wellness Initiatives) • Reduction of traffic violations (e.g. reducing speeding incidents) • Improving efficiency in various industry supply chains • Actively promoting skills development within the transport sector
This campaign encouraged companies to measure their performance and take responsibility for the impact of their activities. To become RTMS certified a company must demonstrate that it has adequately implemented all the requirements of the RTMS national draft standard. RTMS compliance does not involve “rocket science”, rather it requires that a company demonstrate that it manages its transport operations with due consideration to road safety, compliance, and operational risks. The RTMS processes are developed so that procedures are compiled and consistently implemented to minimize the risks identified. The company is required to demonstrate that it poses a minimal risk to the road infrastructure, the environment, other road users as well as taking care of its drivers.
RTMS certification enables a company to claim excellence in the management of its road transport operation. RTMS is recognised and actively promoted by major industry bodies including SANRAL, National Department of Transport, Provincial Departments of Transport, Chamber of Mines, Agricultural Chamber of Business, CSIR, RFA etc. Successful RTMS implementation requires a change in attitude, mindset and ultimately behaviour so that road safety is actively promoted within the company.
