The SA Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff), has embarked on a new strategic direction, a path based on a planning session held early in 2010, according to executive director Dave Logan. The main objective of this, Logan added, is to transform Saaff into a professional association representative of the Southern African transport industry, facilitating trade into and out of Southern Africa and ensuring that members receive a valueadded service. This involves a number of initiatives. Saaff will be reviewing and revising its current constitution and intends restructuring the association by outsourcing selected portfolios using full-time and part-time consultants. Increasing collaboration and working relationships with the government departments – such as SA Revenue Service (Sars), Transnet, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), the department of transport (DoT), department of labour (DoL), the department of public enterprises (DPE), and the like – is also high on the agenda. The association will also undertake a feasibility study on training requirements within the industry and implement the results of the study. “Some of these projects have already been initiated,” Logan said. “In addition, planning is at an advanced stage for the annual Saaff Congress on June 8 and 9 at Emperors Palace, Gauteng – with renowned international and national speakers on the podium. The speakers will address subjects relating to the theme, which is: ‘Embracing change through innovation, collaboration and education’.”
