Major SA growth for global logistics company

Logistics major DSV has recorded 40% growth in its South African operation, CEO Warren Erfmann told FTW. “The appointment of a strong sales team, our powerful global network and the opening of a Durban office have all contributed to the growth,” Erfmann said. With seafreight an integral part of the business, the Durban office – which opened in April – has performed particularly well, he said. “But the Durban port needs to get its act together to ensure the industry can take full advantage of growth opportunities. “Incompetence, inadequate infrastructure, a lack of equipment and low productivity will affect South Africa’s status as a gateway to Africa,” said Erfmann, although he conceded that a lot of progress had been made in terms of infrastructure. “Although new to the African continent and not as well-recognised as we are in the rest of the world, our aggressive sales and marketing strategy has already paid dividends in getting our name out there. Not many people in South Africa know we are the 6th largest logistics company in the world – with a strong global network – so we are having fun showing everyone what we are capable of,” said Erfmann. CAPTION Warren Erfmann ... One of the major exports out of South Africa is military vehicles. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl