VALUE-PORT Freight Logistics, a fully owned, operated and independent black enterprise, has come of age.
The Jet Park-based company, headed up by director of operations, sales and marketing Vigie Govindsamy, was set up a year ago as a ‘one stop freight logistics solutions shop’. It offers a full logistics package encompassing pickups and deliveries, crating and packaging, warehousing and distribution, as well as forwarding and clearing by air, ocean or road. VPFL is especially strong in exports into East Africa, says Govindsamy.
The three shareholders form the nucleus of the management and 75% of the staff complement - drawn from various ethnic and previously disadvantaged communities - are women.
Govindsamy has notched up 15 years of experience in the industry, initially in clearing and forwarding with Johannesburg based major freight forwarding companies, and more recently with P&O Nedlloyd in Cape Town.
The company has developed specialist expertise in packaging and crating, listing several designer furniture companies on its customer list. “VPFL also specialises in the movement of personal effects and household goods and we are exploring this field as another area of growth,”, said Govindsamy, who reports not a single damages claim in the first year of business.
The Jet Park head office employs a staff of 15, while agents have been appointed to handle coastal and international business.
“Business is growing fast,” says Govindsamy, “with several new accounts in the pipeline. We have recently completed a charter of live animals successfully.”
But key to further growth is efficient and skilled staff, and this is where Value Port believes it can make a difference. “Our policy is to offer career opportunities to young people and provide the training that gives them the skills to succeed. We see this as an integral part of the empowerment ethic, and it’s already paying dividends.
“Our motto,” says Govindsamy, “is that we will either find a way or make one.”
Getting down to business from the left Ian Nash, Nadine van der Zandt, Preni Naidoo,Vigie Govindsamy (director), Clive Coetzee, Robert Dihangoane, Marlene Dorfling, Joel Skosana, Kimani Kamau (director) and Justine Isaiah and Norbet Skosana (kneeling).
