Professional body the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa (CILTSA) and consulting firm Bridge Building OpEx (BBOpEx) Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the logistics, transport and supply chain industries in South Africa. 

This collaboration will focus on education, training and capability development, with a special emphasis on empowering youth and women in the sector.

CILTSA says the MoU, signed by CILTSA president Elvin Harris and BBOpEx founder Glenda Maitin, outlines a shared commitment to fostering operational excellence, unlocking supply chain capacity and driving sustainable growth in the industry.

The primary objectives of the MoU include identifying opportunities and collaborating on projects that benefit the logistics, transport and supply chain industries; unlocking and developing supply chain capacity and capabilities through focused, results-oriented programmes and initiatives; and promoting the inclusion and development of youth and women in the industry.

The partnership will see the two organisations collaborate on a range of initiatives, including joint seminars, workshops, professional development programmes and mentorship opportunities.

CILTSA says these efforts are aimed at providing industry professionals with access to valuable resources, networking opportunities and career development support.

“This collaboration with BBOpEx Solutions represents a significant step forward in our mission to improve industry practices and nurture talent in the logistics, transport and supply chain sectors.

“By combining our expertise and resources, we can create impactful programmes that empower individuals, particularly women and youth, to thrive in their careers and contribute to the growth of our industry. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring,” says Harris.

Maitin echoed these sentiments, highlighting the alignment of the two organisations’ goals.

“At BBOpEx Solutions, we are passionate about driving operational excellence and fostering sustainable growth. Partnering with CILTSA allows us to expand our reach and impact, particularly in empowering the next generation of leaders in logistics, transport and supply chain.

“Together, we can unlock new opportunities for individuals and organisations, and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”

Both organisations have committed resources to support the collaboration, including volunteering, access to facilities and participation in joint events.

BBOpEx will provide a platform for CILTSA to share its value proposition with stakeholders, while CILTSA will offer BBOpEx staff and student members access to its membership benefits and facilities.

The MoU will remain in effect for three years, with both parties committed to maintaining open communication and confidentiality throughout the collaboration.

Newly appointed BBOpEx Solutions CEO Brian Fredericks emphasises the strategic importance of the partnership, noting that the collaboration between CILTSA and BBOpEx Solutions comes at a crucial time when South Africa's logistics and transport sectors are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. 

“Our data shows that we'll need at least 15 000 more skilled professionals in these sectors [this year]. Through this partnership, we're not just addressing the skills gap, we're creating a sustainable pipeline of talent that will drive innovation and excellence in the industry.

"What makes this partnership particularly exciting is our shared commitment to digital transformation and sustainability. We've identified that organisations implementing integrated logistics and transport solutions are seeing up to 30% improvement in operational efficiency. 

“By combining CILTSA's extensive industry network with BBOpEx's practical expertise, we can help organisations achieve these gains while developing the next generation of industry leaders,” says Fredericks.