From Truck Driver to Boardroom: The Story of RTG Marketing Executive, Latedi Mokoena

Most drivers will tell you the road is tough. Long hours, little sleep, and often little recognition. But every now and then, a story comes along that shows just how far dedication and the right support can take you.

This is the story of Latedi Mokoena – a man who grew up in hardship, spent time behind the wheel, and today holds the position of Marketing Executive at RTG. His journey is proof that truckers are not just drivers; they are leaders in the making.

The Early Roads

Latedi’s childhood was marked by struggle. His mother worked as a domestic worker, his father was a long-distance trucker he rarely saw, and after losing his mom in his teenage years, he ended up living with his brother in a shack with nothing but a cold floor to sleep on. Those years of hardship shaped him into someone who could carry heavy loads – not only on his shoulders, but in his heart.

Wheels of Opportunity

After matric, he worked small jobs until he found a foothold at Volvo Trucks Newcastle as a Service Advisor. A branch manager spotted his potential and even helped pay for his Code 14 licence, opening the door to truck testing and deepening his love for transport.

- Advertisement -

But life wasn’t done testing him. Misled at another job, he was dismissed and suddenly had nothing – no car, no income, and a young family to support. It felt like rock bottom.

The Second Chance

In 2017, Latedi took a chance with CPD Academy. The training was brutal, the hours long, but he pushed through. He drove thousands of kilometres under tough conditions, proving himself again and again. That’s when RTG CEO Rodney Houston-McMillan noticed something rare – hunger, resilience, and authenticity.

Instead of offering him only a driving position, Rodney gave him an opportunity in the Marketing Department. Latedi grabbed it, worked hard, and grew under the mentorship of senior leaders.

Read | From Mokopane to Texas: Limpopo Trucker Lands Rare Job in America Amid Visa Crackdown

The Executive Seat

Today, just a few years later, Latedi Mokoena is RTG’s Marketing Executive. From sleeping on a concrete floor to shaping the brand of one of South Africa’s respected transport groups, his story is nothing short of inspirational.

He is married to his long-time partner, now a qualified teacher, and together they’ve built a strong family life. He has also built his own home, turning years of struggle into a foundation of pride and hope.

A Message to Drivers

Latedi’s journey proves that the cab can be a classroom, the road a training ground, and that with resilience, dedication, and the right people believing in you, the sky is the limit.

In his own words:

“They saw where I came from and thought that was the whole story. But I wasn’t finished. If you’re standing in the shadows right now — don’t stay there. One day, someone will give you a chance. Just make sure you’re ready to rise.”

To every trucker out there: you are not stuck. You are not your setbacks. You are possibility.