As the logistics industry grapples with unprecedented change, agility and f lexibility have become more important than ever before.According to Professor Noleen Pisa, head of the University of Johannesburg’s department of transport and supply chain management, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has altered the way things are done. In South Africa the civil unrest experienced in July this year exacerbated matters.“It has been described as the most disruptive unrest since the apartheid era. The widespread looting and destruction of property has hit businesses hard and disrupted the supply chain severely.”Speaking during a recent online event, Dr Pisa said the impact would continue to be felt across the country for months to come.“The economic cost has already been felt. The rand devalued by 2% and 150 000 jobs were put at risk. Subsequent to the unrest unemployment rose to 34% in August, the highest level it has ever been.”At least 40 000 tons of cold storage capacity and raw material was lost during the unrest that predominantly took place in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. “Businesses were faced with increased costs relating to increased security, repair to damaged property and replacement of looted goods.”The unrest, however, highlighted the fragility of the supply chain. “The supply chain is constantly affected by external factors. The key to success is in the ability to respond quickly when this happens.”Dr Pisa said the ongoing change in logistics – exacerbated by the outbreak of Covid – would not disappear overnight. “Logistics is changing all the time, and now more than ever before. Survival in this environment requires a very clear understanding of this massive change, and demands a supply chain that is agile, robust and f lexible to respond.”
