On 22 September 2022, SAAFF hosted the graduation of 38 students in the FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding, and the FIATA Higher Diploma in Supply Chain Management, as delivered through GMLS (Global Maritime Legal Solutions) at SAAFF House in Highway Gardens, Johannesburg. SAAFF personnel Nozibele Myeki and Debbie Moodley together with GMLS personnel Charlotte Francis, arranged the event and the CEO of SAAFF, Dr Juanita Maree and GMLS CEO Mark Goodger, congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged them to continue striving together to strengthen and capacitate the Freight Forwarding & Supply Chain Industries in South Africa.
The students who graduated on 22 September are all already employed in the Logistics Industry and the programmes are designed to enhance their skill sets and further their careers. The course curriculum runs over a 12-month period with new intakes every year in August, and accommodates RPL (Recognition for Prior Learning).
About FIATA Diplomas
There are two main types of Diplomas based on the FIATA Minimum Standards.
The FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding consists of 14 Modules that include all key topics for Freight Forwarders, such as: Multimodal Transport, Air Transport, Customs Procedures, and Information & Communication Technologies in Freight forwarding.
The FIATA Higher Diploma in Supply Chain Management constitutes a progression pathway for the FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding’s graduates and consists of 7 Modules, such as Global Purchasing, Contract Management, and Production & Operations Management. The courses are delivered through GMLS, via the custodianship of SAAFF. GMLS has been successfully revalidated for the third time since 2012 by FIATA Globally.
Why pursue the FIATA Diplomas?
National Associations like SAAFF ensure that there is sufficient and adequate Global Standard Learning opportunities for their Members. This will enable them to have a trained workforce which meets Global Standards, and to hire skilled employees.
For learners enrolling in the FIATA Training Programmes, this is an excellent opportunity to become more competent in Freight Forwarding and the Supply Chain, and acquire the necessary skillset that can only be obtained through education delivered on a par with Global Organisational Standards.
Previous FIATA graduates provided the following testimonials:
Yanke Nel is a FIATA Diploma Graduate from 2020 and graduated in the 2022 FIATA Higher Diploma in Supply Chain Management. She commented: "GMLS is a leader in the field of Global Supply Chain training. FIATA Courses are presented by Professionals who are experts in their fields with years of practical experience. The interactive classes make the world of Freight Forwarding and Supply Chain Management come to life with relatable scenarios, ensuring learners emerge from the FIATA courses as career professionals."
Morokolo William Meela, a senior Air Imports Controller, testified as follows:
Early in 2021, my company agreed to enrol me with GMLS for the FIATA Diploma to sharpen my knowledge, skills and understanding of our working environment and Industry.
Through the great personnel from GMLS, learning and understanding the Freight Forwarding, Customs Clearance, and International Imports and Exports compliances was made easy for us to understand. Imports and Exports play a large role in our economy, and the knowledge and understanding of Trade Facilitation and the Laws governing the movement of goods in and out of our country, came as great benefit, and it also clarified the roles we as Freight Forwarders play to the contribution of the economy within the country.”
“Due to the pandemic, GMLS introduced On-line Learning Platforms that were easily accessible and simple for us to understand and work on. Classes were attended online, lectures were accommodating and professional, and GMLS made every learner feel part of the discussions and interactions. This qualification has broadened my understanding of International Trade and boosted my personal knowledge of my work responsibilities. I will gladly refer anyone who is willing to go through the process of attaining this Qualification, because this kind of knowledge is power.”
Elizabeth Poverello expressed her gratitude to the GMLS Team for going the extra mile, helping her in various ways, such as contacting TETA about her previous Certificate, arranging for RPL after she learned that her previous certificates were not valid, granting a discount for her course, and assisting her with the flexibility to fit classes in between her work demands.
Zukiswa Motena is currently in a development programme for leadership at AB Logistics, and added that she had increased her confidence and knowledge through the FIATA Course.
“The training was very insightful, and I will highly recommend this course. GMLS is doing a great job and whilst doing my research, it was easy to use the up-to-date and manageable websites. I am very impressed with the level of knowledge I gained during the Course. It was even more valuable because it was practical, which also prepared me for the Industry. Lectures were engaging and helpful.”
Nozibele Myeki (Administrator) and Debbie Moodley (HR & Training Executive) from SAAFF, and Charlotte Francis of GMLS are responsible for the administration between FIATA, GMLS, and SAAFF.
The Class of '22 with their FIATA Diplomas.
