Full name: Alwyn Jacobus Rautenbach. Current position: Managing director, Airlink Cargo International. Born: 10 February 1958 on a farm at Verkeerdevlei in the Freestate. Educated: Pretoria Technicon, UNISA. First job: Assistant engineer (Railway Signalling) How did you get involved in the freight industry?: As I started my career in railway signalling, I was always part of logistics and freight in some or other form. Most notable changes in the industry in your time: Move of nonbulk freight from rail to road and air. Most influential person in shaping your career: Khutso Mampuele, formerly executive manager of OREX, CEO of SA Express, CEO of SA Post Office. Best personal achievement: Design and implementation of the first PC (personal computer) based signalling control system for iron ore exports by rail. Best professional achievement: Receiving a gold award for productivity improvement from the NPI (National Productivity Institute) for the iron ore export logistics chain. Greatest challenge that SA faces: Develop, attract and retain engineering skills to grow exports of manufactured goods and reduce crime. Business icon you most admire: Richard Branson Most meaningful quote: “See the future before it arrives and plan for it.” - Prof. Lovemore Mbigi. Favourite reading: Science and history Favourite airline: Southwest Airlines Favourite holiday destination: KZN South Coast Your views on Ortia: The airport is growing at a pace that has turned it into a permanent construction site. This causes operational difficulties but by 2009 Ortia will be a top airport. The challenge will be the co-operation between Acsa and the operators on the airport to ensure a pleasant experience for the travelling public. Outside interests: Playing golf, sport in general Alwyn Rautenbach. and wildlife.
