Phutuma Freight sets up in Jo'burg

Company will piggy-back on AEI infrastructure

PHUTUMA FREIGHT, a new forwarding and clearing company, has opened its doors in Jet Park, near Johannesburg.
Headed up by Moses Maboi and Abe Damon, whose collective experience in the freight industry totals 25 years, the company will initially piggy-back on the worldwide infrastructure of Air Express International to offer a comprehensive clearing and forwarding service worldwide.
"Phutuma Freight is owned by Phutuma Trust, which is committed to the training and advancement of previously disadvantaged groups in the industry," Damon told FTW.
A number of senior AEI staff have been co-opted onto the board of directors of the Trust.
And Damon is confident that the venture will provide positive benefits for both parties.
"We will use AEI's worldwide network and technology systems, facilities which are out of the financial reach of a smaller company. And AEI will have the opportunity to become involved in black empowerment in an industry where this is sadly lacking."
Phutuma will initially operate out of offices in Johannesburg. "Once we have achieved financial viability we will look at our own premises in Durban and Cape Town." Until then, the company will use the national AEI infrastructure.
Damon started his career in the industry in 1974 as a customs clerk and has since completed several training courses, and gained experience in imports and exports worldwide. Maboi was previously the shipping manager of TFM, where he has been employed for the past 14 years.