The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa (Ciltsa) and the Vaal University of Technology (Vut) have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry experience.
Ciltsa said in a statement on Tuesday that the agreement formalised a partnership aimed at enhancing the academic and professional landscape of logistics and transport in South Africa.
VUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Khehla Ndlovu; Elvin Harris, President of Ciltsa; and Teete Owusu-Nortey, Global President of CILT International, attended the signing ceremony at the university recently.
Ciltsa said the collaboration was set to revolutionise the way VUT students engaged with the logistics and transport industry, providing them with invaluable practical insights and networking opportunities. The partnership will focus on developing supply chain capacity and capabilities through focused, results-oriented programmes and initiatives.
Harris said the partnership was a key initiative for the development of the sector.
“This MoU represents a pivotal moment in our efforts to nurture the next generation of logistics and transport professionals. By combining VUT's academic excellence with Ciltsa's industry connections and practical expertise, we're creating a powerful platform for students to gain real-world experience and insights that will be crucial for their future careers,” Harris said.
VUT Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Chengedzai Mafini, who was the driving force behind the MoU at VUT, described the partnership as a “game-changer” for students.
“It opens doors to a world of practical knowledge, industry networks, and professional development opportunities that complement their academic studies. This collaboration will undoubtedly enhance our students' readiness for the challenges and opportunities in the logistics and transport sector,” Mafini said.
Key aspects of the MoU include:
• Access to Ciltsa's internationally recognised professional certifications for VUT staff and students, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market;
• Joint research initiatives addressing current challenges and innovations in logistics and transport;
• Mentorship programmes connecting students with industry professionals;
• Guest lectures and site visits to provide students with first-hand industry exposure;
• Participation in annual VUT events, including graduation ceremonies and student conferences.
At VUT's recent autumn graduation ceremony, Ciltsa sponsored awards for top-performing logistics management students, including free memberships and year-long mentorship programmes.
A recent student conference also showcased the immediate impact of the collaboration where industry leaders engaged with students, sharing practical insights and discussing real-world challenges facing the sector.
"Our aim is to create a seamless transition from academic learning to professional practice," Harris said.
"The MoU is really about bridging the gap between academia and industry. While the students at VUT are already gaining academic knowledge, through Ciltsa we hope to give them real, practical industry experience. Students will benefit from practical insights, access to the industry network, and support, which will enable them to succeed in the logistics and transport industry,” he said.
This MOU aligns with both organisations' commitment to developing talent and improving industry practices to create a robust, skilled workforce.
