Honouring Philip Hull: the ‘angel of the N3’

The Hot Cares family pauses to honour Philip “Phil” Hull — a quietly heroic South African who devoted more than four decades to making our roads safer and our communities stronger. A co-founder of the South African Road Safety Foundation and a fixture along the treacherous Van Reenen Pass on the N3, Phil spent 42 years volunteering through festive seasons, public holidays and stormy nights — whenever and wherever he was needed most .

Those who worked with him describe an “angel of the N3”: calm under pressure, gentle with the injured, unwavering in dangerous conditions, and endlessly generous with his time and expertise. Journalists knew they could phone Phil at any hour to help explain complex medical terms in plain language; fellow volunteers knew that when Phil arrived, order, safety and compassion would follow .

As part of this tribute, Hot Cares spoke to Nick Dollman, Philip’s longtime friend and fellow volunteer paramedic. Nick remembered Phil as an inspiration, describing him as “an angel of the N3” who always appeared in the darkest moments with quiet strength and unconditional kindness.

“He had such a big heart. He loved people. He would always go out of his way to help, with unconditional kindness to people in distress or even total strangers.” — Nick Dollman

Nick also highlighted how Phil’s passion for road safety and his ability to comfort strangers set him apart, making him a hero not only to those he saved, but to the volunteers who worked alongside him.

As Phil’s family scattered his ashes, friends and colleagues around the world paused to reflect on a life of service. At Hot Cares, we believe the best way to honour a legacy like Phil’s is to carry it forward. That’s why, in tribute to his life and to support the remarkable N3 volunteer community he helped build, Hot Cares has donated R20,000 to ensure these volunteers can continue their vital work keeping our roads safe .

To the N3 volunteer community: thank you. Your quiet strength, patience and dedication save lives — often without fanfare, always with heart. And to Phil’s loved ones: may you be comforted by the countless lives he touched and the safer roads he leaves behind. We will remember his kindness, courage and humility — and we will keep telling his story so that more South Africans drive with care, look out for one another, and choose compassion when it matters most.