Jun 03, 2025 Road Freight Association (RFA), 2025 Convention, “A Celebration of Trucking, ” Gavin Kelly, Ricardo Smith,
RFA celebrates 50 years of driving SA forward at Annual Convention
The Road Freight Association (RFA) held its milestone annual Convention from 23 to 25 May 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.
RFA, CEO, Gavin Kelly, 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. for
Dr. Ongama Mtimka's presentation, "Trucking, Trade, & Transformation: The Political Roadmap for South Africa’s Freight Industry," provided insights emphasising 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 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.
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.
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.
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