The South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) has taken the strongest possible exception to a series of claims by four of its members – all of them colleges serving the logistics industry – over a training academy (ta) the association has launched (see today’s related lead story).
Reacting to claims made by the training service providers, who have pointed out that they are accredited by the Transport Education Training Authority, Saaff chief executive Dr Juanita Maree said it was incorrect that the association had used membership funds to buy shares in a telecommunications services provider – the company that holds 51% shares in Saaffta.
Maree said: “The accusations are false. In my capacity as CEO, I deny the allegations and state, for the record, that Saaff has not purchased any shares in an existing business.
“The company that will house the training academy is a startup. Saaff’s investment in the company is nominal.
“We view the accusations in a very serious light. In line with our commitment to good governance, we call upon and invite the persons concerned to engage with us in a transparent fashion, should they have any concerns.”
Maree also responded to the following claim:
Claim: Saaff as an association is not supposed to make a profit from services or goods sold when in conflict with its members. This is similar if Saaff had to buy shares in a forwarding and clearing business.
Response: Saaff’s members are our key priority and the purpose for our existence, as our history demonstrates.
Saaff does not carry on the business of a freight forwarder or clearing agent in competition with its members. This is prohibited by its constitution.
“Proceeds from Saaff initiatives that generate income (such as the training academy) are invested back into the association to allow for sustainability, growth, and continuity for the services that the Association provides to its members and to the sector.
“It should be noted that it is common practice for non-profit associations to support and supplement their principal funding – raised in our case from membership fees – with funds from investments, fundraising services and training.”
In respect of a claim that Saaff Gauteng executive Maria du Preez, who currently serves as the association’s acting chair of the board is in conflict because of overseeing Saaffta’s training portfolio, Maree said Du Preez had declared her interests to the board.
“We recognise the benefit the industry will receive from Ms du Preez’ services, commitment, acumen and active involvement.
“To clarify, Ms Du Preez does not hold the training portfolio.
“We believe that Ms du Preez’ involvement with the training academy, as director, offers seasoned, mature and informed insights into the industry, which will impact positively on the educational programmes on offer.
“Ms. du Preez will not be a shareholder in the training academy.
“Ms. du Preez is a trustee of an established educational trust that was formed for the advancement of black women. It is the educational trust that will hold shares in the training academy. In our view, this will assist the transformation of the industry.”
As for Du Preez’ shareholder position, which the colleges indicated would be 24.5%, Freight News was told earlier today by one of the college executives that it had become a hot potato for Saaff.
The executive in question, whose name and affiliation is known to Freight News, said: “It had become clear that her position as a shareholder was unethical.”
Lastly, in response to the college’s undertaking to take the matter to the Competition Commission, Maree said: “Good governance is close to our heart. As such, we have no objection if any party would like to consult with the regulatory authorities. We have nothing to hide.
“For our part, we firmly believe that the formation of the training academy will increase the options available to the industry.
“We reiterate that our members are our main priority, and we carry their interests and the interests of the industry at heart. We encourage any member or concerned party to engage directly with us so that we may allay their concerns.”