Industry leaders unite behind the 2026 Forklift Driver Competition at Electra Mining Africa

Some of South Africa’s leading materials-handling, transport, safety, training and industrial-equipment companies have joined forces to support the 2026 Forklift Driver Competition, taking place at Electra Mining Africa from 7–11 September 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec.

Organised by Lifting Africa, the competition will put licensed forklift operators from across South Africa through a demanding test of precision, safety, efficiency, and equipment control.

Competitors will be required to complete a specially designed practical course incorporating realistic materials-handling challenges. Each driver will have approximately 20 minutes to complete the course and will be judged on safe operating procedures, accuracy, control and overall performance.

Entrants must hold a valid forklift operator licence and will undergo a breathalyser test before competing. A total of R30,000 in cash prizes is available to the top-performing drivers.

The competition is supported by a powerful group of sponsors, each contributing specialist equipment, products or expertise to create a realistic and safety-focused operating environment. More sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Jungheinrich is the Official Forklift Sponsor and will provide the forklifts used throughout the competition. The competition will give operators an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities using modern Jungheinrich equipment under demanding practical conditions.

Acrow Racking & Shelving will provide the racking structures incorporated into the competition course. The Acrow racking will create realistic operating challenges requiring competitors to demonstrate accurate pallet placement, load control and safe manoeuvring within confined spaces.

Transvaal Training will oversee the competition’s judging and technical assessment. Its experienced judges will assess every competitor according to consistent criteria, including pre-operational checks, safe driving procedures, accuracy, efficiency, load handling and compliance with operating rules.

Ground Mobility Systems will provide the heavy-duty composite mats to create a stable, durable operating surface for the competition. Its reusable composite matting will provide the level and secure surface required for safe forklift operation while protecting the ground beneath the competition course.

XTyre Global will supply recycled-rubber pallets and specialised load devices for use in the competition challenges. The XTyre products will introduce competitors and visitors to an innovative alternative to conventional wooden and plastic pallets while demonstrating how recycled materials can support modern industrial supply chains and circular-economy objectives.

BBF Safety Group, through its BOVA brand, enters the competition as the safety footwear and PPE partner.

A DAF Truck, distributed and sold in Southern Africa by Babcock, will form part of the competition course and provide competitors with a realistic truck-loading challenge.

Babcock’s involvement highlights the important connection between materials handling, warehousing and road transport. Efficient logistics depend on trained forklift operators who can load and unload trucks safely while protecting equipment, products and surrounding infrastructure.

Jason Skinner, winner of the 2024 Forklift Driver Competition, says the event offers forklift operators much more than an opportunity to compete for a prize.

“I am thrilled to have participated in the 2024 competition and even more honoured to have taken first prize. The event provided a great opportunity for all of us to test our skills, observe others in action and learn from each other’s successes and mistakes,” says Skinner.

According to Skinner, one of the most valuable aspects of the competition is that competitors are not assessed on speed alone.

“I really enjoyed the fact that the competition is not just about speed, but also precision and good general forklift knowledge. The facilitators were professional and knowledgeable, contributing to the overall success of the event by providing clear guidance and support.”

He describes the competition as a valuable learning experience that encourages growth, improvement and mutual respect among forklift operators.

“I highly recommend that anyone in the industry, whether seasoned or new, take part in future competitions. The skills you refine and the insights you gain from watching others are invaluable. Participating in this competition was an absolute pleasure.”

Surita Marx, managing director of Lifting Africa said,“The Forklift Driver Competition is about recognising the people whose skills keep warehouses, factories, distribution centres, mines and logistics operations moving every day.

“Forklift operators carry an enormous responsibility. One incorrect movement can damage products, equipment or infrastructure and, more importantly, place lives at risk. This competition gives professional operators an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities while promoting higher standards of training, safety and workplace recognition.”

Marx says the support received from the competition’s sponsors has enabled Lifting Africa to create a practical course incorporating several important elements of the modern logistics chain.

“From the forklift and racking to the pallets, loading devices, ground surface, PPE, judging and commercial vehicle, every sponsor contributes something meaningful to the experience. Together, they are helping us create a competition that is engaging for visitors while promoting safe, responsible and professional forklift operation.”

Visitors to Electra Mining Africa will be able to watch the competition throughout the five-day exhibition and see operators tackle practical challenges reflecting real working conditions.

Companies are also encouraged to organise internal forklift competitions during working hours and send their strongest operator to represent the business at Electra Mining Africa.

Forklift operators who believe they have the skill, precision, knowledge and safety awareness to compete for their share of R30,000 in cash prizes are invited to enter.