Employers want staff to hit the ground running

South Africa’s clearing and forwarding sector stands at a critical juncture. While port congestion, customs delays and regulatory complexity have always played a role, today’s professionals face an additional layer of challenges: rapid digitalisation, volatile global supply chains, sustainability mandates and the integration of artificial intelligence into operational decision-making. “The question is no longer whether graduates have foundational logistics knowledge – it’s whether they can adapt, analyse data in real time and navigate an industry in constant transformation,” said Dr Nazmira Mohamed, programme coordinator at Boston City Campus. “The conversations we’re having with both students and employers have shifted markedly. Employability outcomes now dominate decision-making. Learners want to know: Will this qualification actually get me a job? Employers want to know: Can this graduate apply their knowledge on day one?” According to Mohamed, this means training providers must demonstrate several things simultaneously: accredited, industry-relevant qualifications, flexible delivery modes that accommodate working learners, remote access to high-quality learning materials, and practical, application-based training that translates directly to workplace capability. Cost- to-value alignment matters enormously, particularly when learners are evaluating long- term career impact rather than just immediate certification. Smangele Makhathini, academic and quality manager, said Boston City Campus had responded by fundamentally rethinking how it prepared students for this new reality. “Our approach recognises that formal qualifications signal deep specialisation and professional commitment to employers, while short learning programmes demonstrate ongoing professional development. Both pathways are essential in an industry where standing still means falling behind.” The past year has seen the expansion of its physical presence and academic offerings, with Boston City Campus now offering three support centres – in Secunda, Boksburg and Rondebosch, bringing its national network to 50. More substantially, the institution launched a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Supply Chain Management in 2025. This degree programme develops the strategic, operational and technological competencies that modern logistics, procurement and supply chain environments demand. Looking ahead, Mohamed anticipates strong demand in three areas. “Short skills programmes focusing on sustainable logistics practices, AI-driven freight optimisation, and digital customs clearance processes will grow significantly as professionals seek targeted upskilling,” she said. “We also expect increasing demand for NQF Level 5–7 qualifications aligned with resilient and environmentally responsible supply chains. The regulatory environment is shifting, and professionals need qualifications that reflect these new realities.” Lastly, she said hybrid corporate training initiatives tailored specifically to ports, clearing agents and third-party logistics providers were set to expand. “These organisations need customised solutions that address their specific operational contexts while meeting industry- wide standards.” LV