The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa (CILTSA) and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry experience in the logistics and transport sector.

The MoU, which was signed on August 19 at the VUT main campus in Vanderbijlpark, formalises a partnership aimed at enhancing the academic and professional landscape of logistics and transport in South Africa.

The signing ceremony was attended by VUT vice-chancellor and principal Professor Khehla Ndlovu, CILTSA president Elvin Harris and CILT International global president chief Teete Owusu-Nortey.

The collaboration is aimed at elevating the manner in which VUT students are able to engage with the logistics and transport industry, providing them with practical insights and networking opportunities.

The partnership will focus on developing supply chain capacity and capabilities through focused, results-oriented programmes and initiatives.

“This MoU represents a pivotal moment in our efforts to nurture the next generation of logistics and transport professionals. By combining VUT's academic excellence with CILTSA's industry connections and practical expertise, we're creating a powerful platform for students to gain real-world experience and insights that will be crucial for their future careers,” Harris said.

The MoU includes the provision of access to CILTSA's internationally recognised professional certifications for VUT staff and students, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.

It also provides for joint research initiatives addressing current challenges and innovations in logistics and transport, as well as mentorship programmes for connecting students with industry professionals. The MoU will also result in guest lectures and site visits to provide students with first-hand industry exposure, along with participation in yearly VUT events, including graduation ceremonies and student conferences.

“Our partnership with CILTSA is a game-changer for our students. It opens doors to a world of practical knowledge, industry networks, and professional development opportunities that complement their academic studies. This collaboration will undoubtedly enhance our students' readiness for the challenges and opportunities in the logistics and transport sector,” VUT Faculty of Management Sciences executive dean Professor Chengedzai Mafini said.

At VUT's recent autumn graduations, CILTSA sponsored awards for top-performing logistics management students, offering free memberships and year-long mentorship programmes to high achievers.

Further, a student conference held on August 23 showcased the immediate impact of this collaboration, with industry leaders engaging directly with VUT students, sharing practical insights and discussing real-world challenges in logistics and transport.

"Our aim is to create a seamless transition from academic learning to professional practice. The MoU is really about bridging the gap between academia and industry. While the students at VUT are already gaining academic knowledge, through CILT we hope to give them real, practical industry experience. Students will benefit from practical insights, access to the industry network and support, which will enable them to succeed in the logistics and transport industry,” Harris said.

This MoU aligns with both organisations' commitment to developing talent and improving industry practices and has been characterised as a step towards creating a more robust, skilled workforce in the South African logistics and transport sector.