Morning Session
07:30am – 08:30am
Registration
08:30am – 09:15am
Conference Opening
Welcome Address and Introduction to the Summit
09:15am – 10:00am
Keynote Address: The Future of SMEs in Road Freight: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
The road freight industry is at a crossroads, with transformative trends offering both opportunities and challenges. The future of trucking and logistics companies in South Africa’s road freight industry is a mix of significant challenges and emerging opportunities. As the country grapples with rising fuel costs, regulatory pressures, and infrastructure constraints, businesses must adapt to stay competitive. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), navigating compliance and operational costs will remain a key hurdle, but those that embrace digital technologies, green logistics, and innovative business models will find new paths to success. With the growing demand for efficient supply chains, there are opportunities for companies to specialize, streamline operations, and tap into emerging markets. However, the road ahead requires resilience, innovation, and strategic partnerships to thrive in a rapidly evolving and highly regulated industry.
Kgalaletso Tlhoaele, Head: Enterprise Development, Absa Group
10:15am – 11:15am
Opening Panel Discussion: Overcoming barriers of Success: Navigating Regulatory Compliance in Road Freight
Navigating regulatory compliance in road freight requires continuous monitoring and adaptation to evolving safety, and labour regulations. Ensuring adherence while maintaining operational efficiency is crucial for sustaining competitiveness and avoiding legal penalties.
Overcoming barriers to success focuses on the complex landscape of regulations that South African road freight businesses must navigate. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), staying compliant can be overwhelming, from driver safety standards to environmental regulations. This session unpacks key compliance challenges, explores the financial and operational impact of non-compliance, and provides practical strategies for SMMEs to stay ahead. By addressing these issues head-on, SMMEs can not only avoid costly penalties but also create a competitive advantage in a highly regulated industry.
Moderator: Phuti Semenya, CEO, Maysene Group
Mihlali Gqada, Director: Freight Logistics Department of Transport, Gavin Kelly CEO RFA, Oliver Naidoo MD JC Auditors, Musa Ndlovu National Secretary NBCRFLI
11:15am – 11:30am
Networking Break
11:30am – 12:30pm
Workshop Session: Driving Efficiency: Unlocking the power of fleet optimisation and smart trailer management
Fleet optimization and smart trailer management solutions provide businesses with tools to improve fuel efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance route planning. By leveraging telematics, real-time tracking, and predictive analytics, SMEs can monitor vehicle performance, prevent costly breakdowns, and minimize empty miles. These innovations not only cut operational costs but also boost delivery reliability and customer satisfaction. For SMEs, adopting these technologies is key to staying competitive, increasing profitability, and driving sustainable growth in the road freight industry.
Edward Hoffman, Transport Manager DP World, Jan Berning, Fleet Management TAAS Africa
12:30pm – 13:30pm
Lunch Break
Afternoon Session
13:30pm – 14:30pm
Panel Discussion: Road to Resilience: Strategies for Sustainable Growth and Market Expansion in South Africa’s Road Freight for SMEs Sector
As market dynamics evolve and competition intensifies, SMEs must adopt innovative strategies that promote sustainability and scalability. This includes embracing green logistics practices, investing in technology for fleet optimization, and diversifying service offerings to meet changing customer demands. Building strong partnerships, enhancing operational efficiencies, and leveraging data analytics will be crucial for navigating regulatory complexities and rising costs. By fostering a culture of resilience and adaptability, SMEs can unlock new growth opportunities, expand their market reach, and contribute to a more sustainable transportation ecosystem in South Africa.
Moderator: Kamogelo Mampane CEO TK Global Experts
Charlin Nthuli, Supply Chain Manager Northam Platinum, Malesela Tloana, CEO Alter Clique Energy, Bernard Vilakazi, Specialist Transport & Logistics ABSA Group, Khanya Matshikwe, Head: Customer Value Propositions ABSA Group
14:30pm – 15:30pm
Presentations: Navigating the challenges and complexities of operating on purchase orders
Navigating the challenges of purchase orders and the lack of direct contracts as an SME transport operator involves managing cash flow issues, how to enhance financial stability in the absence of long term contracts, in an industry that is capital intensive.
Purchase orders can streamline the procurement process, but they also introduce complexities such as managing varying payment terms, tracking order fulfillment, and ensuring compliance with client specifications. SMEs often face cash flow challenges due to delayed payments, which can hinder their ability to maintain operational stability and invest in growth. Additionally, the burden of managing multiple purchase orders from different clients can lead to administrative inefficiencies. To overcome these challenges, SMEs must implement robust inventory and financial management systems, foster strong relationships with clients for clearer communication, and explore financing options that provide liquidity while they navigate the purchase order landscape. By effectively managing these complexities, SMEs can enhance their operational resilience and position themselves for sustainable growth in the competitive trucking and road freight sector.
Mark Makhubalo, CEO MLM Logistics
16:00pm
Day one Summit Closing
Afternoon snacks and tea served.
Morning Session
08:00am – 08:30am
Welcome and Day 1 Recap
08:30am – 09:30am
Opening Panel Discussion: Beware of Exploitation| The impacts of sub-contracting on growth and operational stability for SMEs
Being a subcontractor as an SME transporter can foster growth by providing access to larger contracts and a broader client base, facilitating expansion without the need for substantial upfront investment. However, it can also pose challenges to operational stability, including dependency on primary contractors for consistent work, potential payment delays affecting cash flow, and the need to maintain high service quality under variable conditions dictated by the main contractors.
Moderator: Lebo Letsoalo, Executive Director Sincpoint
Tapiwa Chatora, MD Afrosolutions, Gerhard Marais, SMME Support RFA, Sphamandla Dlaminii, Executive Oketsa Group, Charlin Nthuli, Supply Chain Manager Northam Platinum
09:30am – 10:30am
Panel Discussion: Shielding your Fleet: Mastering insurance and breakdown management in road freight success
In an industry where unexpected breakdowns and accidents can lead to significant financial losses and service disruptions, effective insurance strategies and proactive breakdown management are critical. Understanding the nuances of different insurance policies—such as liability, cargo, and vehicle insurance—enables companies to protect their assets adequately while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, implementing robust breakdown management protocols, including regular vehicle maintenance, real-time monitoring, and quick response plans, can significantly reduce downtime and enhance customer satisfaction. By prioritizing comprehensive insurance coverage and proactive maintenance strategies, road freight businesses can navigate risks effectively, ensure fleet reliability, and ultimately drive long-term success in a competitive market.
Moderator: Annah Manugu, CEO Mamoja Trading & Project
Sharne Liebenbeg, Insurance Broker Mont Blanc, Wayne Witherspoon, Founder RNR, Drikus Joubert, Logistics Manager MLM Logisitcs
10:30am – 11:00am
Networking Break
11:15am – 12:15am
Presentation: Driving Profitability: Mastering Total Cost of Ownership and Optimizing Vehicle Asset Finance in Trucking
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for SME transporters include not only the initial purchase price of vehicles but also ongoing expenses such as maintenance, fuel, insurance, and depreciation. Understanding and minimizing these costs are essential for financial planning, fleet management efficiency, and maintaining profitability in the competitive road freight industry.
This session delves into how businesses can maximize profitability by understanding and managing the TCO of their fleets, from acquisition to disposal. It also provides actionable insights into vehicle asset financing options that reduce financial strain and improve cash flow. By focusing on long-term cost efficiency, this topic is designed to empower trucking companies to make informed decisions, optimize investments, and ensure sustained business growth.
Mpho Nkhumeleni, Executive Commercial Vehicles Sales Isuzu Motors
12:30pm – 13:30pm
Workshop: Adapting to change| The ESG perspective of how tyre management impacts on fuel management
From an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) perspective, effective tyre management significantly influences fuel management by reducing fuel consumption through proper inflation, alignment, and timely replacements, thereby promoting sustainability in the transport sector. Integrated tyre management strategies also contribute to operational efficiency and cost savings, aligning with broader ESG goals of resource conservation and environmental responsibility.
George Van Heerdeen, CEO GT Tyre Services, Keith Phelps, Group Training Manager Dunlop Tyres SA
13:30pm – 14:00pm
Closing Remarks and Summit Conclusion
14:00pm – 15:30pm
Lunch and Networking
How can SMEs in the road freight sector benefit from the summit?
Meet Our Speakers
Musa Ndlovu
CEO National Bargaining for Road Freight and Logistics
Oliver Naidoo, MD
JC Auditors
Kgabiso Manthata
Absa Senior Sector Specialist, Transport and Logistics, ABSA
Ryan Diesel
Sales Director, GEOTAB Africa
Kgalaletso Thoaele
Head: Enterprise Supplier Development, ABSA Group
Mpho Nkhumeleni
Executive, Sales Commercial Vehicles, Isuzu
Mark Makhubalo
CEO, MLM Logistics
Sharné Liebenberg
AIISA, Insurance Broker, Mont Blanc
Gavin Kelly
CEO, Road Freight Association
Charlin Nthuli
Supply Chain Manager, Northam Platinum
Jonathan Mphake
Supply Chain Specialist, SAPICS and Masterdrive Ambassador
Mihlali Gqaba
Director: Road Freight and Transport Infrastructure, Navigating the challenges and complexities of Department of Transport
George Van Heerden
CEO, GT Tyre Service
Lebo Letsoalo
CEO Sincpoint and AWISCA
Phuti Semenya
Founder, Maysene Logistics
Kamogelo Mampane
CEO, TK Global Experts/ Pan African Supply Chain Council
Edward Hoffmann
Contract Manager, at DP World
Jan Berning
Director, Fleet Management TAAS Africa
Malesela Tloana
CEO, Alter Clique Energy
Tapiwa Chatora
MD, Afrosolutions
Gerhard Marais
SMME, Support RFA
Annah Manugu
CEO, Mamoja Trading & Project
Event Sponsors and Partners
