Philip Hull saved numerous lives through his volunteer work and improved many through his outreach programmes.
Image: SAGMJ via Facebook
The South African motor industry has lost one of its kindest and most altruistic souls, with the passing of Philip Hull at his home on Saturday, September 6.
Hull, or Dr Phil as he was affectionately known by many, served as a medic on many industry events and launches, but his involvement in road safety stretched much deeper than that. He co-founded the South African Road Safety Foundation, through which he championed systemic changes in road safety, and also started Community Medical Services.
The latter initiative led to him saving countless lives at Van Reenen's Pass as a voluntary paramedic and transformed many more through his community outreach projects, one of which resulted in life-changing surgery for a disfigured girl who was too shy to even look at people.
As tributes poured in on social media following the news of his untimely passing, it became clear that many lives were touched by his generosity over the years. Many recounted stories of how he brightened their day whenever they saw him at events, and how he’d regularly follow up on people when he knew they were going through hard times.
Hull stationed himself at the top of Van Reenen’s on most long weekends and holiday periods for more than 40 years, volunteering his medical services free of charge despite facing numerous funding challenges, and he also assisted stranded motorists in all types of inclement weather conditions over the years.
In 2004, he was joined by Barry Niemand, who became a regular volunteer over the holiday periods, and in more recent times, by Oliver Wright.
But their work has extended well beyond the saving of lives on that treacherous pass.
The team also led community outreach projects in the area, raising money to perform much-needed upgrades at schools and donating essential items such as shoes and beanies.
There were 11 rural schools that Hull and his team supported in the area as far as they could, and they also initiated a few child feeding schemes during the summer holidays, when the kids do not have access to their usual school-time meal.
Barry Niemand (left) and Philip Hull hand out goodie boxes at an orphanage in Harrismith.
Image: Jason Woosey
During a school visit many years ago, Hull noticed a small girl whose face had been partially disfigured in a freak accident. She was shunned by her fellow schoolmates and had become so shy that she refused to look at people. Feeling that something had to be done for the child, Hull made numerous enquiries after returning to Gauteng, and eventually managed to convince a renowned plastic surgeon and a private hospital to offer their services free of charge. The surgery was a success, and her life went back to normal. A far cry from the shy girl who cowered away in the presence of people, she is now studying to become a teacher.
Hull also once recounted a story about an elderly man who regained his sight thanks to donated glasses and, with great enthusiasm, immediately started reading out the number plates of the support vehicles.
These are just two of many lives touched by his generosity and kindness of spirit over the years.
Through the SA Road Safety Foundation, Hull passionately advocated for broader systemic changes to road safety. Among his many potentially game-changing proposals was the establishment of a National Road Safety Authority, co-funded by government and the private sector, which would harness combined resources and expertise.
MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert described Hull as a powerful and dedicated advocate of change on our roads:
"Philip will be remembered for his contagious friendliness and immense passion for the cause. His selfless spirit knew no bounds. Multitudes of lives were not only touched by Philip but fundamentally changed to carve out a legacy that will inspire long after he is gone," MasterDrive said in tribute.
IOL extends its sincerest condolences to Philip Hull's family during this difficult time.