Municipality’s Drivers Shine

- André Jaquet -

Our village motto, ‘Proudly Prince Albert’ took on a special meaning earlier this month when the Municipality’s Attieen Arendse and Klaas Pieterse were awarded diplomas for excellent competency after taking part in the annual Western Cape Driver of the Year competition in Brackenfell.

Mark Februarie, the town’s Traffic Officer, did an outstanding job when he accompanied them in the capacity of team leader. “The success of our two colleagues is all the more remarkable since this was the first time in 30 years that we qualified for the competition and Attieen and Klaas were only given time for one trial run,” Mark told the Friend.

The event consisted of series of exhaustive practical and theoretical tests to assess the competency of strong participants from Beaufort West, Laingsburg and Prince Albert.

Candidates had to complete a number of tests against tough competition. These included correct procedures, the thorough physical examination of various vehicles, driving a range of vehicles from cars to articulated trucks through obstacle courses and on how to stop speeding cars safely, without injury to the occupants and to pedestrians.

When interviewed all three were clearly proud of their performance and said that they had been quite nervous, something like their first day at school but talked modestly about their achievement: “It was a real challenge, but we believe we must now plough back what we have learned into our community so that we all benefit.” they said.

Congratulations Mark, Attieen and Klaas!