Three young people joined as Petrol attendants now they are BVOs
Sky Bridge Logistics, a trusted bulk fuel transporter headquartered in Botswana, is quietly reshaping the future of logistics in southern Africa through a bold mission: investing deeply in the growth and development of its young workforce. At a time when skilled labor shortages and challenging economic conditions plague the transport industry regionally, this company’s story of employee empowerment stands out as a beacon of what thoughtful, hands-on training and career development can achieve.
The journey often begins humbly for recruits like Oteng Mmolai, who joined Sky Bridge Capital as a petrol attendant. His story is more than just a career progression. It is a testament to how passion, supported by company encouragement and structured training, can transform a laborer into a leader. Mmolai’s curiosity about the fuel supply chain was sparked during his interactions with truck drivers delivering fuel. Instead of remaining a passive observer, he sought to understand every aspect—from the depot to the road. With management’s backing, he earned his EC heavy-duty driving license, a critical milestone enabling him to drive large commercial vehicles known as bowsers. His dedication paid off with a promotion to Depot Supervisor, where he now ensures company policies and safety standards are upheld while mentoring others.
This culture of growth extends beyond Mmolai. Chatiwana Bontle’s path mirrors this narrative. Beginning as a petrol attendant in 2019, he quickly ascended to a bowser operator and then, driven by ambition, pursued an EC heavy-duty license. After completing his training, Bontle was formally enrolled in Sky Bridge Logistics’ Bulk Vehicle Operator (BVO) program in 2024. Today, he transports fuel across Botswana and neighboring countries such as Namibia, South Africa, and Mozambique. Bontle’s experience highlights the company’s commitment not only to training but also to employee welfare and recognition, underscoring that logistics roles are not just jobs but gateways to rewarding careers and international exposure.
The story of 27-year-old Ndix Bathobi adds further depth. Starting with no more than a Class B license, Bathobi’s determination saw him climb the ranks from petrol attendant to bowser operator and eventually to a licensed BVO. His supervisors played a crucial role, accommodating his training schedule and providing real-time job training by pairing him with seasoned operators. This mentorship approach allowed Bathobi to gain hands-on experience before taking on full responsibility, a model that underscores Sky Bridge Logistics’ emphasis on practical learning alongside formal education. Bathobi credits this journey not only with improving his livelihood but also with instilling patience and resilience, traits he encourages other young workers to embrace.
These individual stories are supported by a broader company philosophy articulated by Managing Director Godiraone Des Olatotse. He emphasizes that young people are the future of the company and stresses the importance of nurturing their growth to build better versions of themselves. This vision is reflected in the company’s structured on-the-job training programs, supportive management, and focus on safety, including specialized training in Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) protocols—especially critical in handling fuel and hazardous materials.
Training of Bulk Vehicle Operators is no small feat. It requires mastering the operation of heavy vehicles, understanding cargo handling, weight distribution, and adhering to strict safety regulations. Earning an EC heavy-duty license involves rigorous theory and practical exams that test knowledge of vehicle mechanics, road safety, and hazardous material handling. The training also includes mentorship, where trainees accompany experienced drivers to learn the nuances of fuel transportation across diverse terrains and cross-border routes. This hands-on approach ensures that drivers are not only licensed but also confident and competent in managing the challenges inherent in fuel logistics.
The logistics sector in southern Africa faces considerable challenges, including driver shortages, safety risks, and infrastructural constraints. Young drivers often confront long hours, security threats like hijackings, and economic uncertainties. Against this backdrop, Sky Bridge’s investment in employee development serves as a powerful antidote. By providing clear career pathways, supportive training environments, and recognizing employee achievements, the company fosters loyalty and reduces turnover. This approach benefits both the workers, who gain skills and career advancement, and the company, which secures a reliable and skilled workforce.
The impact of such training and empowerment extends beyond the individual. Studies in African logistics sectors show that comprehensive training programs enhance employee engagement, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to safer, more reliable logistics services. Companies that invest in staff development report lower turnover and higher productivity, crucial factors in an industry that moves billions of dollars in goods and fuels economies. Sky Bridge’s model aligns with these findings, demonstrating how targeted career development can be a competitive advantage in a demanding industry.
The fuel transportation market itself is a vital artery for southern African economies, underpinning sectors from agriculture to manufacturing. Despite economic slowdowns and fluctuating fuel prices, demand for skilled logistics operators remains steady. This stability, combined with projected growth in regional trade and infrastructure development, suggests that the need for trained Bulk Vehicle Operators will only increase. Companies like Sky Bridge Logistics, which prioritize employee growth alongside operational excellence, are poised to capitalize on these trends.
What makes Sky Bridge’s story especially compelling is the human dimension—the transformation of young workers into professionals who take pride in their craft and responsibility. The company’s approach challenges prevailing perceptions that jobs like fuel attendants or truck drivers are dead-end roles. Instead, it reframes them as launchpads for lifelong careers with opportunities for leadership, international travel, and personal growth.
As the logistics industry in Africa navigates the twin challenges of modernization and workforce development, Sky Bridge Logistics offers a blueprint for success. Its commitment to employee training, mentorship, and welfare is not just a corporate strategy but a mission to empower a new generation. By investing in people like Mmolai, Bontle, and Bathobi, the company ensures that its future is driven not just by trucks and fuel, but by the ambitions and skills of its people.
In a continent where youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge, stories like these resonate far beyond the transport sector. They underscore the power of opportunity, patience, and hard work, amplified by an employer willing to invest in human capital. For Sky Bridge Logistics, the road ahead is clear: build careers, not just fleets, and in doing so, fuel the engines of both commerce and hope.
