Industry body the Road Freight Association’s (RFA’s) yearly convention, which will be held later this month, seeks to attract top executives in the trucking, logistics and warehousing sectors to discuss the industry’s priorities, strategic direction and planned interventions.

The event will also enable attendees to network with colleagues, hear advocacy updates and contribute to influencing the direction of the trucking industry.

This year’s RFA Convention will take place at the Fancourt Hotel in George, in the Western Cape, from May 26 to 28, and will be hosted by Carte Blanche presenter and 702 radio presenter Bongani Bingwa.

RFA Green Transport Working Group chairperson Liesl de Wet, who is an experienced climate reality leader, will lead a discussion of “The future is green”, which encompasses the concept of green transport in the logistics sector in South Africa.

De Wet was part of a delegation that recently travelled to Europe to engage with industry experts and governments to better understand the role and future of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source for the transport industry.

The convention will also address the current political and economic dynamics that are impacting on the country’s policy and business environment and, therefore, the level of investment.

Nelson Mandela University political economy lecturer and political analyst Dr Omgama Mtimka’s segment will discuss issues such as the energy crisis, the effects of a national state of disaster, and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet reshuffle, among other issues.

Mtimka will address in particular the effects of loadshedding on business in smaller cities, including manufacturing and automotive hubs such as East London and Gqeberha.

A look into the future of the sector will be unpacked in a discussion named “Create your own future”, which is headed by scenario strategist and published author Mitch Ilbury.

He leads, and is directly involved in, the development of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC’s) scenarios informing its SADC Vision 2050, which focuses on the political, economic, social and environmental factors defining the region’s future.

Ilbury will touch on the State and the effects of the current education system on the general wellbeing of the SADC region.

Further, the specific challenges that are currently affecting the industry will be highlighted, with special attention paid to the drastic delays being experienced at border posts, as well as compliance with regulations and best practice in terms of truck maintenance and driver safety.

RFA CEO Gavin Kelly spoke to the new Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga in March to offer a collaborative engagement with government to bring about the necessary fundamental changes needed in the freight industry in South Africa to address some of these challenges.

At the time, he stressed that the RFA had both the expertise and the industry representation to drive the development of a freight industry that would safely and efficiently move freight across the country and beyond, while ensuring legal compliance and fair access for both operators and employees.

On Display

The event will also offer a display area and sponsorship opportunity for numerous freight-related companies.

Sponsors include truck and trailer manufacturers Daimler Truck South Africa, Iveco, Biddulphs International and Henred Fruenauf, as well as telematics technology providers MiX Telematics and iCam Video Telematics.

Financial and auditing service companies such as JC Auditors, Simah Risk Solutions, Investec and Global Trade Solutions will also be displaying their offerings.

Further sponsors and exhibitors include Astron Energy, Engen, AfroCentric, Gestalt, Sunrise Logistics and Seven Oaks Winery.