South Africa’s Road Freight Association marks 50 years with bold plans for AI and crime fight
South Africa’s transport sector came together to mark a significant milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Road Freight Association (RFA)—during its recent conference held at the Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg. Industry leaders, experts, and suppliers converged to discuss pressing challenges and burgeoning opportunities facing the trucking business, delving into topics ranging from green energy to broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) and financial strategies.
The event showcased a diverse panel of speakers, including Absa’s chief investment officer, Ricardo Smith, who provided insights into the economic landscape, highlighting potential growth strategies within a volatile global economy. Political analyst Ongama Mtimka complemented this with a historical overview of the sector's transformation over the years, situating contemporary challenges within a broader context of change.
A focus on technological advancements underscored much of the discourse. Steven Sutherland, general manager of Powerfleet Africa, discussed the innovative applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance driver safety and manage fatigue, signalling a shift towards smarter, more efficient operations. Meanwhile, Ian Bird from Cape Africa Group examined the integration of road and rail freight, a conversation that is particularly timely given the increasing importance of multimodal transport solutions in the sector.
Gavin Kelly, RFA CEO, articulated the association’s historical journey and ongoing challenges faced by its members across the Southern African Development Community. Reflecting on the organisation’s roots, Kelly noted, “The RFA had its beginnings in 1975… It has inherited its existence from the structures that existed before it.” He highlighted a pivotal achievement in the RFA's history: its role in shaping Chapter 6 of the National Road Traffic Act, which governs operator fitness. The evolution of regulations surrounding vehicle dimensions was a central topic, with Kelly recounting the intense negotiations that led to the current permissible limits for superlink trucks.
Further into the future, Kelly underscored the RFA's commitment to harnessing digital solutions, particularly in light of developments initiated during the Covid-19 pandemic. “AI is a huge disruptor… It's going to disrupt many things,” he remarked, identifying critical areas such as e-commerce and cross-border logistics as focal points for growth.
The challenges of crime within the industry also featured prominently in discussions, with Kelly asserting that criminal tactics have evolved. Once primarily focused on hijacking trucks, criminals now allegedly target distribution centres directly. Highlighting specific commodities, he pointed out that cooking oil and mealie meal have become prime targets, as their ease of transport and allocation in markets make them favoured choices for theft.
As the RFA continues to navigate these complexities, it reported a healthy membership growth of 12% in 2024, spanning not only South Africa but also reaching into neighbouring countries like Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. This expansion signals not only the resilience of the freight sector but also the opportunities that lie within the broader continental market, particularly under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area, which could revolutionise logistics.
Looking ahead, the RFA’s commitment to addressing these multifaceted challenges reflect a modern approach to logistics, one that embraces innovation while remaining deeply rooted in the sector's history. The discussions at this landmark conference not only honour the RFA's past but set the stage for a forward-thinking agenda that aims to position South Africa’s transport sector prominently on the global stage.