South African transport industry leaders and analysts will gather for the Road Freight Association’s (RFA) 50th Anniversary Convention where they will tackle some of the key challenges facing the freight sector later this month.
With the volume of goods transported by road expected to reach 55.69 billion tonne-kilometres in 2025, the RFA Convention’s curated sessions have been designed to address the most pressing issues facing the road freight industry today.
The convention takes place at Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal from 23–25 May.
RFA chief executive Gavin Kelly said the landmark conference would bring together the industry's leading experts to deliver practical solutions.
“From harnessing AI-driven safety innovations to adapting to rail liberalisation, we're equipping operators with the tools to improve efficiency and sustainability in a rapidly evolving landscape,” Kelly said.
Ian Bird, director of the Cape Africa Group, will lead an informative session exploring the transformative potential of 'Open Access to Rail' for road freight operators.
At the height of the country's port challenges, analysts estimated that the collective economic impact of the slowdowns exceeded R124 million per day.
The government's policy shift towards third-party rail access offers opportunities to reduce road congestion, lower transport costs and reduce carbon emissions. However, challenges such as ageing rail infrastructure, fair access pricing and operational integration must first be overcome.
Bird's insights will help operators explore rail partnerships and adapt to a changing operational landscape.
In addition, a panel comprising Liesl de Wet, chair of the RFA Green Transport Working Group; Mike Daniel, CEO of RailRunner South Africa; and Warwick Lord, chairman of the Multimodal Inland Port Association (MIPA), will discuss sustainable energy solutions, innovation in intermodal freight, and the development of inland ports.
The panel will address the pressure to decarbonise, exploring issues such as biofuels, route optimisation and emerging technologies such as electric and hydrogen-powered trucks, as well as the impact of carbon taxes on operators.
Graeme Barnard, group human resources executive at Supergroup, will present “Freight Forward: Equity and Compliance”, focusing on the broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) framework and transport sector codes.
Drawing on his extensive experience, Barnard will provide practical guidance on implementing transformation strategies that are aligned with sustainable business growth and promote economic inclusion.
Steven Sutherland, general manager of Powerfleet Africa's Enterprise Division, will demonstrate how artificial intelligence is transforming driver safety and fatigue management.
More than 70% of the country's large road haulage companies have adopted telematics and real-time fleet management systems.
Sutherland's presentation will show how these technologies can improve driver wellbeing, reduce accident rates and improve fleet efficiency.
South Africa's economy remains fragile in 2025, with the International Monetary Fund forecasting GDP growth of 1.5%, a modest improvement from 0.8% in 2024.
The overall African freight and logistics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6–8% over the next five years, driven by factors such as rising intra-African trade, boosted by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), e-commerce expansion and infrastructure investment.
Ricardo Smith, chief investment officer at Absa, will present an economic roadmap to help businesses navigate the challenging financial landscape, while Dr Ongama Mtimka, CEO of Lawula Group, will discuss the political and regulatory factors affecting the sector.
Political uncertainty, particularly around economic reform and infrastructure investment, remains a major concern for investors and logistics operators. Mtimka's analysis will enable operators to anticipate regulatory changes and mitigate associated risks.
Hosted by award-winning journalist and 702 Breakfast Show presenter Bongani Bingwa, the Convention will feature engaging discussions, thought-provoking insights and valuable networking opportunities.
To register, visit www.rfa.co.za/convention or email convention@rfa.co.za for details on accommodation, sponsorships or bookings.
