Engen launches free health screenings for truck drivers
Engen is rolling out its 2026 Driver Wellness campaign, providing free voluntary health screenings to truck drivers at 28 truck stops and selected 1‑Stops nationwide. The initiative, in partnership with Trucking Wellness, aims to catch health issues early and promote road safety. Services include b…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On 19 October, Engen will kick off its 2026 Driver Wellness campaign, a nationwide effort to bring essential health checks to South Africa’s truck drivers. The program will run through October and into November, covering 28 Engen Truck Stops and a selection of Engen 1‑Stops across the country. Drivers will receive free, voluntary screenings for a range of conditions, from blood pressure and cholesterol to malaria, TB, STIs, HIV/AIDS and body‑mass‑index (BMI) assessments.
Why the campaign matters
Truck drivers are the backbone of South Africa’s logistics network, moving 90% of the country’s goods by road. Their long hours and time spent away from home can expose them to a host of health risks, from chronic disease to infectious conditions. By delivering medical services directly to the places where drivers rest and refuel, Engen and its partners aim to catch health problems early, encourage healthier lifestyles, and ultimately keep South Africa’s roads safer.
Partnership with Trucking Wellness
The initiative is a joint effort with Trucking Wellness, an arm of the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI). Trucking Wellness will provide the screening equipment and professional staff at each site. Last year’s Transport Month campaign saw more than 1,500 screenings across eight provinces, and the 2026 rollout will expand that reach to 28 truck stops and several 1‑Stops.
What drivers can expect
At each participating location, drivers will undergo a suite of health checks, including:
- Blood pressure measurement
- Cholesterol level assessment
- Diabetes screening
- Malaria testing
- TB screening
- STI testing
- HIV/AIDS testing
- Body‑mass‑index calculation
In addition to the medical assessments, every driver who completes a screening will receive a complimentary tote bag to carry their results and any follow‑up information. Engen’s Marketing Manager for Commercial, Anashya Soobhar, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, noting that “truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our highways” and that their well‑being is essential for both individual health and national economic stability.
Permanent wellness clinics
Beyond the Transport Month window, drivers can access ongoing care at six permanent Trucking Wellness clinics located at key Engen sites:
- Beaufort West Truck Stop, Western Cape
- Winelands 1‑Stop North, Western Cape
- Musina Gateway Truck Stop, Limpopo
- PE Gone South Truck Stop, Eastern Cape
- Harrismith Highway Junction Truck Stop, KwaZulu‑Natal
- Kokstad Truck Stop, KwaZulu‑Natal
These clinics will offer continuous medical support, ensuring that drivers have access to professional care whenever they need it.
Screening schedule and locations
Engen has released a detailed schedule for the free screenings. Drivers can visit the following sites during the specified dates and times:
- Trafford Road Truck Stop – 19‑20 Oct, 8am‑10pm
- Kroonvaal 1‑Stop South – 20 Oct, 4pm‑10pm
- Kroonvaal 1‑Stop North – 21 Oct, 4pm‑10pm
- Blom 1‑Stop North – 22‑23 Oct, 4pm‑10pm
- Blom 1‑Stop South – 22‑23 Oct, 4pm‑10pm
- Kimberley Truck Stop – 23‑24 Oct, 8am‑5pm
- Kranskopp‑1‑Stop North – 29 Oct, 8am‑5pm
- Kranskopp‑1‑Stop South – 30 Oct, 8am‑5pm
- Blockhouse 1‑Stop North – 29 Oct, 8am‑5pm
- Blockhouse 1‑Stop South – 30 Oct, 8am‑5pm
- Belfast 1‑Stop – 30 Oct, 8am‑5pm
- Tugela 1‑Stop North – 2‑3 Nov, 4pm‑10pm
- Tugela 1‑Stop South – 4‑5 Nov, 4pm‑10pm
- Springfontein Truck Stop – 5 Nov, 8am‑5pm
- Touwsriver Truck Stop – 5 Nov, 4pm‑10pm
- Cape Town Market Truck Stop – 6 Nov, 4pm‑10pm
- Winelands 1‑Stop North – 9‑10 Nov, 8am‑5pm
- Winelands 1‑Stop South – 11‑12 Nov, 8am‑5pm
- Grasmere 1‑Stop North – 10 Nov, 8am‑5pm
- Grasmere 1‑Stop South – 11 Nov, 8am‑5pm
- Highveld 1‑Stop West – 12‑13 Nov, 8am‑5pm
- Highveld 1‑Stop East – 16‑17 Nov, 8am‑5pm
- Kempston Truck Stop East London – 26 Nov, 8am‑5pm
Drivers are encouraged to plan their visits around these windows to ensure they receive timely care. Engen’s commitment to driver health underscores the company’s broader role in supporting South Africa’s transport sector, which has been a key driver of the nation’s economy for decades.
Looking ahead
While the Transport Month campaign will conclude in November, the permanent clinics will continue to provide ongoing support. Engen and Trucking Wellness are also exploring ways to extend services to additional sites and to incorporate digital health tools, such as tele‑consultations, to reach drivers in more remote areas.
As the logistics industry evolves, initiatives like Engen’s Driver Wellness campaign will be crucial in ensuring that the people who keep the country moving remain healthy, safe, and supported.
Key facts
- Engen’s 2026 Driver Wellness campaign offers free health checks to truck drivers across South Africa.
- Screenings cover blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, malaria, TB, STIs, HIV/AIDS and BMI.
- The program runs from 19 Oct to 26 Nov at 28 truck stops and selected 1‑Stops.
- Drivers receive a complimentary tote bag with their results.
- Permanent Trucking Wellness clinics provide ongoing care at six key Engen sites.
- Engen partners with Trucking Wellness under the NBCRFLI to deliver services.
Why it matters
By offering free, comprehensive health screenings, Engen helps truck drivers detect and manage conditions early, reducing health risks and promoting safer roads for all South Africans.
Frequently asked questions
What health tests are included in the screenings?
Drivers will be tested for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, malaria, TB, STIs, HIV/AIDS and BMI.
Where can I find a screening location near me?
Engen has listed 28 truck stops and 1‑Stops with dates and times; check the schedule for your nearest site.
Do I need to book an appointment?
Screenings are free and voluntary; drivers can visit during the scheduled hours without prior booking.
Will I receive any follow‑up care if I test positive?
Drivers who test positive will be referred to professional medical services at the permanent Trucking Wellness clinics or local health facilities.
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “Engen to offer free health screenings to truck drivers”
