Transaid celebrates support from the transport and logistics industry

30th October 2025

More than 125 senior executives from across the transport and logistics industry gathered in London yesterday for Transaid’s annual showcase event, held in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, patron of Transaid.

The event highlighted Transaid’s mission to transform lives through safe, sustainable, and inclusive transport, and celebrated the continued support of the UK’s leading transport and logistics organisations.

Her Excellency the High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya attended alongside Transaid’s corporate partners, supporters, and friends of the charity. The event was hosted at Eversheds Sutherland with the generous support of 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.”

 

 

Supporting women in transport

Sharon Petrus, Chairwoman of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Women’s Desk for the Northern Region, shared her experience of working with Transaid:

“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.”

 

Fundraising and Ambassadors driving change

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 Victor Simfukwe Award

The Showcase also provided the 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.

This year, it 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, received the highly commended award this year for his excellent work ethic and can-do attitude.

 

Launching the New Transport Research Bursary

Transaid Chief Executive Caroline Barber also announced Transaid’s new Transport Research Bursary, developed to encourage young researchers (aged 18–30) in sub-Saharan Africa to develop innovative ideas in road safety and access to healthcare. The bursary will provide mentoring support and an opportunity for the successful applicant to present their findings to the wider transport industry.