SAAFF set for a major shake-up

ALAN PEAT THE SA Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) could be in for a big shake-up early next year – with a proposed new constitution, president and management team all on the cards. This follows a number of loud complaints from the membership about the fact that the association’s effectiveness has hit a serious low point. So serious were these complaints that the Western Cape regional arm of the association called a special meeting of members on November 24 to hear a motion to break away from the central body. But, while this was defeated, the Cape members clearly made the point that the motion being rejected did not mean that they were happy with the poor service and lack of direction that they say has kept the national association in a state of limbo for the past year. The latest news first began with FTW hearing rumours in the industry that there was a possibility of a new president. But these became firmer when sources near to the coalface at SAAFF actually produced a name – Philip Womersley, chairman of Safcor Panalpina. To page 16 From page 1 When questioned about this, Womersley was loathe to release any information beyond the fact that he might very well stand for election as president – but only under certain conditions. “It is important for SAAFF to be strong and effective as a voice for our industry,” he told FTW. “I believe this can be achieved, but to do so requires a number of fundamental changes in SAAFF – and I will be putting proposals to the association’s executive committee. “If these changes come about, I’d be prepared to stand for election for the office of president.” One of these is likely to be a revision of the association’s current constitution – something that apparently has already been proposed within the higher regions of SAAFF, where a full restructuring programme has been a matter for some considerable discussion this year. A national executive meeting is due to be held before year-end to consider the restructuring proposals.