Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport moves forward in SA
JOY ORLEK
THE RECENT launch of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport, South Africa (CILTSA) provides a foundation for the development of skills in the logistics and transport industries.
That’s the view of chairperson of the CILTSA professional development subcommittee and head of logistics at Transnet Corporate Centre, Prof Leon Raath, who sees the Institute playing a key role in helping to build South Africa’s global competitiveness.
“If you look at logistics and transport costs as a percentage of GDP, in South Africa this amounts to 17%, which is double that of our major trading partners.
“This means that local companies have a twofold disadvantage - double the logistics costs and distance from most of our trading partners.
“That’s why it’s so important for everyone in the logistics and transport fields to build their skills base in order to craft better logistics and transport solutions.”
CILT is an international professional body with over 30 000 members around the globe. Last year it established an independent section in South Africa.
It sets international standards for logistics and transport qualifications and admits as full members only those whose qualifications meet internationally recognised standards.
In South Africa the only institution whose qualifications are accredited at higher education level is the University of Pretoria’s Unit for Supply Chain Management.
Since opening its doors early last year, membership is growing, says CILTSA’s executive manager Catherine Larkin, who believes that logistics and transport professionals have much to gain by joining the Institute. “They gain a professional career anchor, and a source of support, knowledge and networking. The CILT offers a learning path from entry level upwards - our approach is an inclusive one. Our aim is also to further transformation in the logistics and transport profession. “
For further information email: ciltsouthafrica@mweb.co.za.
