The South African Shippers’ Council (SASC) executive director, LM Pelser, is officially stepping down after five years at the helm of the organisation. “I will stay on until a new executive director has been appointed and I can hand over the reins officially. After that I will be available to the council on a consultancy basis only,” he told FTW. Pelser, who first joined the SASC in 1998 while still employed by Sasol, said while it had been one of the most fulfilling jobs it was time to spend time with his family. “And I have my bucket list to complete as well,” he jokingly said. This includes growing bonsai trees, building model toys and photography. “I am also an avid gardener. I love being outside and then my daughter and I have a venture in mind that will also keep me busy.” The non-profit organisation, whose primary objective is to represent the interests of cargo owners, has made much progress under the direction of Pelser. “I think it is about collaboration more than anything else,” he said. “The role of the council is to give shippers in the country one voice. It operates from a strategic level and must be able to represent both the big and the small shipper equally. By collaborating that is achieved.” The executive director is appointed by the SASC board and has to have a close working relationship with the board to enable him to achieve the goals set. He also needs to be a mediator on behalf of the SASC.
