Katlego celebrates fifteen years

Managing director of Katlego Global Logistics, Moses Maboi, doesn’t settle for mediocrity. Fifteen years ago his vision was to establish a true black economic empowerment company that would compete on service and stand its ground in an industry where the BEE buzz was a new concept. Hard work and an unassailable commitment to ethical business values have paid off for the quietly spoken dynamo who has grown the company from a one-man show to a global success story – living up to its Sotho name which means ‘progressive success’. Katlego Global Logistics this month celebrates its 15th anniversary. Failure has never been an option, says Maboi, who spent 10 years in the shipping department of a major exporter of automotive equipment before moving into the logistics field. Starting out as a consultant, working from home, he gradually made a name for himself, offering a range of services on an outsourced basis. The turning point came when he won a tender from Standard Bank for the import of highly sophisticated machinery from Dallas, Texas, to Johannesburg. “We had it cleared and delivered on time and did such a good job that Standard Bank wrote us a letter of recommendation, which became our best sales tool.” In the highly competitive forwarding industry, it’s been far from smooth sailing, but determination and dedication have paid off.K atlego now has a national network of offices providing for the full spectrum of logistics needs – from clearing and forwarding to warehousing and distribution – with a strong focus on military and project cargo, particularly into Africa. It’s grown in 15 years from a one-man show to a 30-strong staff complement. “Our BEE credentials are useful – but they’re not the reason customers choose Katlego,” says Maboi. “They choose us because they can rely on efficiency, competence and a commitment to zero tolerance when it comes to delivering on our promises,” he said. “We are focused on getting ISO accredited within the next 12 months with our goal set on extending our footprint regionally while doing business sustainably. For Katlego, the sky is truly the limit …” CAPTION Moses Maboi … ‘zero tolerance when it comes to delivering on our promises.’