About Us – HGTS Training Academy

OUR STORY

HGTS TRAINING ACADEMY ETHOS

At HGTS Training Academy, we believe that safer roads, stronger communities, and sustainable economic opportunity begin with education.

The transport industry plays a vital role in connecting people to opportunity, yet for too long the individuals who power this sector—drivers, operators, and transport professionals—have had limited access to formal training and professional recognition. We believe this must change.

HGTS Training Academy was established to help formalise and elevate the commercial transport sector by making high-quality, industry-led training accessible not only to employees within a single organisation, but to the broader public. By opening the doors of professional training to all who are willing to learn, we aim to create new pathways into meaningful employment while raising the standards of those entrusted with transporting passengers and goods.

Through education, certification, and the promotion of professional discipline, we seek to transform transport from an informal occupation into a respected profession—one defined by safety, accountability, and pride in service.

Our academy exists to empower individuals, strengthen the transport industry, and contribute to a safer and more professional future for South Africa’s roads.

Founding Philosophy/ purpose statement

HGTS Training Academy was founded on a simple but powerful belief: opportunity in the transport industry should be determined by ability, commitment, and professionalism—not by background, privilege, or access to formal institutions.

Established by a transport company with decades of operational experience, the academy was created in response to a clear industry reality. While the transport sector continues to expand and evolve, many capable individuals remain excluded from meaningful employment due to systemic barriers such as limited access to training, financial constraints, and a lack of practical pathways into the industry. At the same time, the industry faces a persistent shortage of professionally trained, safety-conscious operators who understand the responsibilities associated with transporting passengers and goods.

HGTS Training Academy exists to bridge this gap between opportunity, professionalism, and industry need.

Our academy was intentionally established as a publicly accessible training institution, not only to serve the internal needs of a transport company but to contribute meaningfully to the broader transport ecosystem and the safety of South Africa’s roads. We believe that the formalisation and professionalisation of commercial passenger transport is essential to improving road safety, strengthening industry standards, and creating sustainable employment pathways.

Through structured training, certification, and industry-aligned education, we aim to elevate the standards of those who have chosen to build livelihoods within the transport sector. By equipping drivers, operators, and transport professionals with the knowledge, skills, and discipline required for responsible service delivery, we contribute directly to safer roads, more reliable transport services, and greater public trust in commercial passenger transport.

Our purpose is therefore twofold.

First, we seek to create accessible pathways into the transport sector, providing individuals with practical, industry-led education that equips them with the skills, certifications, and professional mindset required to build sustainable careers. We are particularly committed to empowering youth, women, and persons with disabilities—groups often disproportionately affected by unemployment and structural exclusion.

Second, we aim to elevate and formalise the transport profession itself. By promoting professional standards, safety culture, and continuous learning, we support the transformation of commercial transport from an informal economic activity into a respected, professionalised industry.

Education, when connected to real economic opportunity, restores dignity. By raising standards, promoting accountability, and empowering individuals with recognised qualifications, HGTS Training Academy contributes not only to employment creation but to the strengthening of communities and the safety of our shared roads.

Our goal is therefore not simply to deliver training, but to build a sustainable talent pipeline and a culture of professionalism that benefits learners, employers, passengers, and society as a whole.

Through this approach, we seek to contribute meaningfully to reducing unemployment, improving road safety, and building a more inclusive, skilled, and responsible transport sector.

Vision Statement

To become a leading publicly accessible transport training institution that advances road safety and professional excellence by bridging the gap between industry and opportunity—empowering individuals with practical skills, recognised certification, and pathways to meaningful employment while elevating the standards, reliability, and professionalism of the commercial transport sector.

Mission Statement

HGTS Training Academy was founded by a transport company with decades of operational experience and a deep understanding of the industry's operational realities and skills requirements. Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality, industry-led training that equips individuals with the practical knowledge, professional discipline, and recognised certifications required to build sustainable careers within the transport sector. We are committed to removing institutional, economic, and social barriers that prevent capable individuals—particularly youth, women, and persons with disabilities—from accessing employment opportunities. Through practical training programmes, mentorship, and industry partnerships, we create pathways that empower learners while supplying the transport industry with skilled, safety-focused professionals. Beyond skills development, we aim to contribute to the formalisation and professionalisation of commercial passenger transport. By promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning, our academy helps raise industry standards and contributes to safer, more reliable road use for all South Africans. Our purpose therefore extends beyond training for profit. We exist to build a sustainable talent pipeline that supports businesses, empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and enhances the safety and professionalism of the transport industry.

CORE VALUES

Accessibility &
Opportunity

We believe talent exists in every community. Our academy is committed to making transport industry training publicly accessible, removing systemic barriers that prevent individuals from gaining the skills, qualifications, and confidence required to participate meaningfully in the economy.

Professionalisation
of Transport

We are committed to elevating the standards of commercial transport by promoting structured training, recognised certification, and professional conduct. By formalising the knowledge and responsibilities associated with passenger transport, we help transform driving and transport operations into respected professions.

Road Safety
Leadership

Safety is fundamental to the transport sector and to the well-being of our communities. We instil a culture of safety, accountability, and regulatory compliance in every programme we deliver, recognising that well-trained operators contribute directly to safer roads and responsible transport systems.

Dignity Through
Education

We believe education restores dignity. By providing individuals with recognised skills, professional standards, and career pathways, we elevate those who have chosen transport as a livelihood and strengthen the communities they serve.

Empowerment &
Social Impact

We are committed to empowering individuals—particularly youth, women, and persons with disabilities—by providing opportunities for financial independence, career progression, and meaningful participation in the economy.

Excellence

We maintain the highest standards of training and professional development, ensuring learners graduate with the technical knowledge, practical ability, and professionalism required to perform at the highest level within the transport industry.

Industry Relevance

Our programmes are designed and delivered by professionals with real-world transport experience, ensuring our training remains practical, current, and aligned with the evolving needs of employers and the broader transport ecosystem.

Innovation

We embrace emerging technologies, modern training methodologies, and evolving transport practices to ensure our learners remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry.

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our activities, building trust with learners, industry partners, regulators, and the communities we serve.

Sustainability

We promote responsible transport practices that support long-term economic growth, environmental responsibility, and safer, more resilient communities.

Our Accreditation

HGTS Training Academy is a fully accredited training provider with the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO), holding accreditation number SDP060425185609. We are also approved by the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) as a recognised workplace training provider. These accreditations ensure that all our transport training, driver development, and skills programmes meet rigorous national quality standards and compliance requirements in South Africa, giving our learners and partner organisations confidence in the value, credibility, and professionalism of every programme we deliver.

Meet the team

At HGTS Training Academy, our team is more than just experts – we’re a group of passionate professionals committed to delivering lasting results. From transport and driver training specialists to skills development gurus, every team member brings experience, energy, and a genuine love for helping people grow. We work hard, we know our stuff, and we never lose sight of what really matters: empowering learners and companies to succeed. Get to know the people behind the programmes – the ones making learning engaging, effective, and impactful every day.

ANTOINE SMITH

Head of Course Development & Business Growth

With over two decades of experience, Antoine Smith is a driving force behind HGTS Training Academy’s innovative learning solutions. He leads course development, stakeholder engagement, marketing, and business development, ensuring every programme delivers meaningful, lasting results. An MBA graduate from the Jack Welch Management Institute in Washington, Antoine combines strategic vision with hands-on expertise to create impactful training experiences. Passionate about connecting learners with opportunities, he also spearheads our Funder Program, bringing together industry funders and motivated learners to unlock skills development across South Africa. Antoine’s commitment to building strong relationships and driving growth ensures HGTS remains a trusted partner for learners, businesses, and funders alike.

Kyle Abrahams

Operations Officer

Kyle Abrahams leads the day-to-day operations of HGTS Training Academy, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. With a career dedicated to skills development, he brings a wealth of experience in driving innovation, quality, and growth opportunities for learners in the transport industry. Passionate about empowering individuals and organisations, Kyle ensures that every programme and process supports our mission of delivering high-quality, accredited training that prepares learners for real-world success. His leadership keeps the academy running seamlessly while fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Siyabulela Loko

Skills Facilitator & Driver Instructor

Siyabulela Loko brings extensive experience from the passenger transport industry, having worked for transport providers that are major role players in the industry. With a deep passion for transport and the growth of the industry, he is committed to promoting safety, professional skills, and exceptional customer service. As HGTS Training Academy’s facilitator for QCTO-accredited courses and learnerships, Siyabulela oversees both theoretical and practical training, ensuring learners gain hands-on experience and real-world workplace exposure. His expertise and dedication help shape competent, confident professionals ready to make a lasting impact in the transport sector.

Facilitator & Skills Development Specialist

As our Lead Facilitator, he plays a central role in delivering HGTS Training Academy’s Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) and professional business skills programmes. A qualified assessor and moderator, he ensures that our QCTO-accredited qualifications maintain the highest standards of quality and compliance. With a focus on practical, results-driven learning, he brings expertise, precision, and enthusiasm to every session. His guidance helps learners develop critical workplace skills, achieve accreditation, and confidently apply their knowledge on the job, making him an indispensable part of our commitment to professional excellence.

Learner & Customer Support Lead

Our administrator is the heart of HGTS Training Academy, ensuring every learner and client feels welcomed, supported, and valued. Responsible for learner communication, scheduling, and payment processing, no learner passes through our academy without experiencing their warmth, efficiency, and attentive care. By keeping operations smooth and providing a personal touch at every step, she plays a crucial role in creating a positive, seamless experience for all our learners and partners. Their dedication ensures that behind every successful programme is someone who genuinely cares.

Our Partnership with our Sister Company

HGTS Training Academy partners with our sister company, a 100% Black female-owned NPO training provider, to execute all externally funded courses and programmes. Conducting training through an NPO offers significant benefits for our funders, including eligible tax incentives, compliance with BBBEE requirements, and maximised impact of corporate social investment initiatives—all while supporting vital skills development in the transport sector. This partnership ensures our programmes not only meet rigorous QCTO standards but also advance our shared mission of empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities. By promoting gainful employment and addressing unemployment and poverty within our communities, we help create tangible social impact—one job at a time—while providing funders with measurable value and recognition.