A dynamic new partnership between Boitumelong Holdings and Ros Roca Group, a leading manufacturer of waste equipment in Europe, is poised to transform local waste management practices by ensuring the wellbeing of industry workers.

The partnership, under Lefatse Vehicle Solutions, will be launching the Dennis Eagle Elite 2 purpose-built chassis in South Africa in October 2012 and will offer safer and more efficient waste collection and transportation through its superior technology.

Boitumelong Holdings was started in 1988 by chairperson John Sithole with just one borrowed flat-deck truck and eight casual labourers. It has since evolved into a major operation with a fleet of trucks and hundreds of full-time staff – providing world-class waste management services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The company also provides waste service delivery on behalf of municipalities in the areas of solid, industrial, medical and mining waste, with clients that include Pikitup Waste Management in Johannesburg, Giyani Municipality in the Northern Province and Ekurhuleni municipality in the East Rand.

In 2006, John Sithole discovered the Dennis Eagle truck and immediately made it his goal to offer the vehicle to the local market. He recognised that it had safety features that could be of immense benefit to the crews working on trucks around the country.

“The Dennis Eagle Elite 2 vehicle is purpose-built for municipal operations and is a stern favourite in countries where it is already operating due to the additional legal payload potential, but most importantly, because of the unique safe crew accommodation, ”explains Sithole.

Revolutionising safety

These are some of the vehicle’s advanced safety features:

• Seating for the driver as well as three crew members is standard, with the option of increasing this to five. This means that no operator needs to hang off the back of the vehicle or ride on the rear steps.
• Alow step allows ease of access in and out of the cab, which reduces the risk of leg and back injuries for the crew.
• The crew can avoid stepping into the traffic thanks to the walk through cab facility.
• Drivers have low-level visibility due to the deep windscreen and are able to see pedestrians who are in close proximity to the vehicle.

“Dennis Eagle is proud that safety comes first and this should be the same for everyone involved in the collection of waste,” says Sithole. “These safety features are a first in South Africa and bring us up to speed with international standards.”

Indeed, there has been a dramatic drop in reported injuries internationally to workers in companies that have added the Dennis Eagle refuse vehicles to their fleets.

The vehicle is also ideal for use in the local industry because of several bespoke features such as the Dennis Eagle Elite Chassis, which is supremely engineered and designed to meet the rigorous operating conditions in South Africa.

Other special features include:

• The cab sits over the front axle allowing for optimal weight distribution and the asymmetric rear spring suspension allows for the body to be mounted as far forward as possible to achieve optimum weight. This means that the vehicle is less likely to be overloaded and therefore complies with the loading regulations set by the department of road safety.
• To avoid damage to the vehicle, flashing beacons are built into the corners of the cab roof.
• To avoid damage to the headlights, they are mounted on the front grille and not low down on the bumper.
• To reduce the risk of damage on a landfill site, the engine and gearbox are each protected by a 5 mm steel sump guard.

In addition to bringing new safety standards to the country, Lefatse will also be creating new jobs and fostering skills development.

“80% of the parts and accessories are sourced locally with the aim of manufacturing the complete vehicle in South Africa as volumes increase,” explains Sithole.

A customer-centric approach

Lefatse will offer clients funding, maintenance and operational rentals for all fleets. This includes full maintenance lease solutions. A solution for specific needs can be provided, customised solutions are tailored to individual waste requirements– whether it is national, provincial, local and public sector, or large corporate or SMME.

“Through our customer-centric approach, specialist skills base and application of advanced technology, Lefatse aims to be the ultimate fleet management partner,” adds Sithole.

In addition to the full maintenance lease products, a range of value-added services such as fuel management, specialised vehicle rentals, insurance, licensing, reporting and fleet consulting is also offered.

Lefatse’s solutions are focus on the client and are completely outcomes based, which protects clients from unplanned cost escalations, fuel fraud, excessive maintenance costs and disposal risk. Different rental agreements with the option to purchase are available, giving clients the opportunity to know exactly what to budget for, knowing that all services and expenses are covered.

Experience the Dennis Eagle Elite 2 firsthand at WasteCon

The theme of this year’s WasteCon conference and exhibition – ‘Wrestling with Waste’ – ties in very well with the benefits of the Dennis Eagle Elite 2. Lefatsi will be participating in the WasteCon Exhibition, held from 9 to 12 October, where the unique features of the Elite 2 vehicle will be unpacked at its indoor stand. Knowledgeable staff and interactive installations will assist visitors in understanding the various features. In addition, a vehicle will be on display at an outdoors stand where its benefits can be experienced first-hand.

With advanced safety features that have not yet been utilised in South Africa, as well as cutting-edge technology and design, the Dennis Eagle Elite 2 will usher in a new era of safety and efficiency for the local waste management industry.