‘SA must assume leadership role in addressing the challenges’

The relatively
underdeveloped nature
of the continent when
compared to the rest of the
world is what provides the
very potential for its growth
and development, says Glenn
Lawson of South Africanbased
specialist forwarding
and clearing software company
Core Freight Systems.
“And for those of us situated
in Africa this presents a unique
opportunity to contribute to and
participate in this scenario.”
While the 2010 World Cup
has given foreigners positive
exposure to the environment,
this is not restricted to sport and
tourism, says Lawson. “The
regular reports of interest by
offshore banking institutions
and retailing giant Wal-Mart
in South African companies
provide evidence that they too
see the potential beyond the
supply of minerals resources
traditionally delivered.”
It’s an opportunity that comes
with challenges, says Lawson,
but in his view South Africa
has a leadership role to play in
addressing these.
“Firstly, the country provides
a physical springboard into
the lower part of the continent
and the ongoing development
of the infrastructure and
associated facilities is vital to
the process in order to provide
efficient, cost-effective access
to the African markets, whether
the movement is inwards or
outwards.
“Secondly, we should not
only practise good governance
internally but actively
encourage this throughout the
continent. This will involve
addressing political and
social issues which manifest
themselves in all the wellknown
symptoms of crime,
violence, corruption, poverty,
ill-health and the like. Perhaps
we cannot resolve all these
problems immediately but we
should display genuine intent
and a good example to others.”
Core Freight sees logistics
as essential to the development
of South Africa and therefore
the continent. “And we believe
we are integral to providing
one of the cogs required in an
efficient supply chain – working
with our clients and associated
stakeholders to progress this
development.”