Grace Zunguza’s workday starts long before passengers step onto the bus. Before the engine starts and before the first route begins, there’s a routine she never skips vehicle inspections, route planning and mentally preparing herself for the responsibility that comes with transporting lives.
For Grace, road safety is not just part of the job. It’s personal.
“I always remind myself that safety is a constant conscious choice,” she says.
Grace entered the Highway Heroes competition not for recognition, but to challenge herself and stand alongside drivers who take pride in doing things the right way.
“I wanted to prove my commitment to road safety and be part of something that recognises professional drivers who put safety first every day.”
That commitment shapes the way she drives. Staying alert, managing fatigue, and following the rules of the road are not simply requirements — they are habits built around protecting people.
“Safe driving doesn’t only protect me,” she explains. “It protects passengers, pedestrians, other motorists, and the families waiting for people to arrive home safely.”
In an industry where pressure and long hours can easily lead to rushed decisions, Grace believes patience is one of the most important qualities a professional driver can have.
“Rushing leads to mistakes. You have to stay focused and respect the responsibility you carry every time you get behind the wheel.”
Winning Best Female Driver, she says, reminded her that professionalism matters — and that safe driving deserves recognition.
“It motivated me to continue setting a high standard for myself and hopefully inspire other drivers to do the same.”
As the centre of excellence for commuter transport under the Hollard umbrella, CTU is proud to support Hollard Highway Heroes in recognising the drivers who keep South Africans moving safely every day. Stories like Grace’s highlight the importance of professionalism and responsible driving in building a safer transport industry.
For drivers considering entering Highway Heroes in future, her message is simple: take pride in your professionalism, because every decision behind the wheel matters.
