Full name: Alan Jones Current position: Safmarine Africa region executive Born: 15 October 1949, Cape Town. Educated: University of Life First job: Import clerk at Nedlloyd in 1969. How did you get involved in the freight industry?: My father was indirectly involved and that created interest. Most notable changes in the industry in your time: Containerisation and computerisation. Most influential person in shaping your career: No one particular person but several senior Safmariners for whom I worked inspired me to pursue my career in the industry and with Safmarine where I have worked for 32 years. Best personal achievement: My family. I have been happily married to Carol for 35 years and have two wonderful sons. Best professional achievement: Providing guidance and support to colleagues and then seeing their development and growth. Greatest challenge that SA faces: The total infrastructure (road, rail, ports, electricity), investor confidence, the value of the rand, unemployment and the high level of crime. Business icon you most admire: Richard Branson Most meaningful quote: “The desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world” – John le Carre Favourite reading: Any autobiographies Favourite airline: Singapore Airlines Favourite holiday destination: The African bush Your views on Transnet Port Terminals: Progressing slowly in the right direction with new investments but the speed of change is a drawback as the rest of the world will not wait for us. Your views on Transnet Freight Rail: Needs fairly drastic action which has now commenced. In a country like ours at least 60-70% of business should move by rail but at present around this volume moves by road which places huge pressure on the road system. Hijackings have also increased with the volumes moving by road. Outside interests: Watching sport, particularly live sport, travelling across the globe, spending time in the African bush.
