The Road Freight Association (RFA) held its milestone annual Convention from 23 to 25 May at the picturesque Champagne Sports Resort in KwaZulu-Natal. This year’s event was not only a vital forum for industry discussion and strategic planning, but also a significant celebration of the Association’s 50 years of dedicated service to its members and the broader South African economy.
Since its inception in 1975 as the Public Hauliers Association, evolving into the RFA in 1989, the organisation has been instrumental in shaping policy, elevating industry standards, and providing essential support to its members. Through half a century, the RFA has been at the forefront of advocacy, from the regulatory development of the National Road Traffic Act in the early 1990s to the introduction of formal road transport and logistics courses in 1995. More recently, the RFA has championed digital transformation, sustainability, and the modernisation of industry practices.
In the Chairperson’s Address, delivered by RFA CEO Gavin Kelly, the RFA Chairperson underscored the Association’s rich history and its forward-looking agenda. Kelly highlighted current challenges facing the industry, including pervasive delays at borders and ports, escalating crime rates, and mounting pressures on operating margins. “Looking ahead, the RFA’s advocacy will focus on crucial adjustments to economic regulations, diversification of fuel sources, addressing critical supply chain infrastructure collapses, and navigating new initiatives regarding the B-BBEE Charter and employment equity quotas,” Kelly said. “The integration of automation and alternative energy sources also remains a key focus.”
The RFA’s commitment to its members is evident in its sustained growth, with a 12% membership increase reported in 2023, alongside the maintenance of peaceful labour relations. The Association continues to serve as the primary voice for road freight operators in South Africa, actively promoting professionalism and fostering strategic partnerships with government entities. “We urge our members to actively engage in shaping the industry’s future through ongoing communication and participation in RFA initiatives, reinforcing the RFA’s dedication to sustainable practices and collaborative engagement,” Kelly emphasised.
The Convention’s agenda featured insightful presentations from leading experts. Ricardo Smith, Chief Investment Officer at Absa, presented on “Driving Growth: the Economic Roadmap for a Resilient Freight Industry.” Smith’s presentation highlighted significant trends and challenges, noting the enduring importance of the US and China as trade partners, South Africa’s current inflation at 2.7% year-on-year, and a revised GDP growth forecast of 1.4% for 2025. He also shed light on Transnet’s operational struggles and debt, alongside the substantial R1 trillion allocated for infrastructure investments over the next three years, predominantly within transport and logistics.
Dr. Ongama Mtimka’s presentation, “Trucking, Trade, & Transformation: The Political Roadmap for South Africa’s Freight Industry,” offered vital historical and political context for the freight sector. He traced South Africa’s evolution from colonialism through various nationalisms, resulting in a complex society grappling with poverty and mistrust. Mtimka highlighted the turbulent democratic path, reflected in policy shifts from the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) to the National Development Plan (NDP), and ongoing political and social disparities fuelling economic inequality. His insights emphasised the critical need for vulnerability, humility, and empathy in leadership during uncertain times. “Business needs to broaden its roles in building an inclusive society,” he said.
Steven Sutherland, General Manager: Enterprise Division at PowerFleet, addressed the critical issue of road safety in his presentation, “AI on the Move: Tackling Driver Fatigue and Enhancing Safety in Transport.” Sutherland highlighted the devastating impact of fatigue and distraction on South Africa’s roads, which contribute to approximately 12,000 annual fatalities and over R188 billion in economic losses. He showcased Vision AI and IoT-based solutions that monitor driver behaviour in real-time, leading to remarkable improvements, including a 60% reduction in collisions and a 25% drop in insurance costs.
The strategic shift towards rail freight was a prominent theme. Ian Bird, Director at Cape Africa Group, discussed “Open Access to Rail Opportunities and Challenges for the Road Freight Sector.” He detailed the National Logistics Crisis Committee’s (NLCC) workstreams and the proposed Intermodal Logistics Master Plan (ILMP), aimed at integrating road, rail, air, and sea transport to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. “The road freight industry stands at a pivotal moment, demanding reinvention as open access to rail becomes a reality,” said Bird. “This isn’t just a shift; it’s an opportunity for road freight to transform itself, explore new avenues like concessioning and leverage customer relationships and other strategic partnerships.”
Liesl de Wet, Chairperson of the RFA Green Transport, presented “From Fossil to Forwarding: What’s next in Freight Energy?” highlighting the imperative of addressing climate change through rail, technology, and electric vehicles, and the critical need to finance this transition.
Mike Daniel, CEO of RailRunner South Africa, further reinforced the potential of integrated road-rail solutions, urging attendees to consider themselves as “transporters, not just truckers.”
Warwick Lord, Chairperson of the Multi-Modal Inland Port Association (MIPA), began his comments by declaring, “The Rail Renaissance is underway. Be part of the solution!” He highlighted the numerous changes and opportunities emerging within the freight sector. He encouraged a fundamental shift in thinking, urging individuals to transition from being merely a “trucker” to becoming a “transporter,” suggesting this could lead to higher turnover with a smaller asset base. He concluded with a rallying cry for collective effort, stating, “Let’s roll up our sleeves for SA Inc!” to underscore the importance of leveraging these industry transformations for South Africa’s benefit.
Finally, Graeme Barnard, Group Human Resources Executive at SuperGroup, provided a comprehensive overview of “Freight Forward: What’s Next for Equity and Compliance,” focusing on the legislative framework and recent draft amendments to the B-BBEE Codes affecting the transport sector. He outlined the key proposed changes, including those related to ownership, employment equity, skills development, and socio-economic development, while also expressing principal concerns regarding procedural and substantive issues.
The RFA’s 50th-anniversary Convention underscored the Association’s enduring legacy and its vital role in navigating the complexities and opportunities of the South African freight industry. The robust discussions and strategic insights shared over the three days will undoubtedly contribute to shaping a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable future for road freight in South Africa.
Sponsors
The event was sponsored by Absa, Astron Energy, Biddulphs, CtrlFleet, Daimler Truck Southern Africa, Engen, FuelInsights, Global Trade Solutions, Hino, iCAM Video Telematics, Indwe Risk Services, IVECO, MAN, JC Auditors, lamna Vehicle Finances, LoadTec, Maha, Masana Energy Solutions, National Fleet Assist, PowerFleet, Seven Oaks, Sunrise Logistics, Tococento, TotalEnergies, Trucking Wellness and VW Commercial Vehicles.