Infrastructure upgrades happening across Gauteng may be inconvenient at the moment, but will go a long way to ensuring the province remains viable for business growth. Martin Keck, managing director of CFR Freight, independent international sea and air consolidators, says the province remains the most powerful industrial hub in the country and in the entire region. Keck says it remains important for CFR Freight to have a secure presence in Gauteng, as this is where most of its customers have their headquarters. “One must have a foothold here taking into account that the biggest export volumes of general cargo originate here and most decisionmaking takes place in Gauteng. “It is also the South African airfreight hub and the gateway to many African countries. CFR Freight is continuously growing its airfreight product specifically into Africa – and imports as well.” According to Keck various training initiatives have been launched within CFR freight in an effort to ensure service levels are always optimal. “Good business relationships in Gauteng are often based on being able to deliver what you promise, staying in close contact with your customers and ensuring service of the highest standard. “Training our staff means we are enhancing our service levels to our customers which remains our focus.” Skills shortages in Gauteng have been identified as a challenge, even with relatively low employment numbers, says Keck. “While times have recently been extremely tough due to the global economic climate, service levels and customer focus have become increasingly important as an integral element of business success.”
