Saaff spells out new vision and mission

With a brand new vision and mission in place it’s all systems go for the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) as they redefine themselves and embrace the future. According to Saaff chairman Basil Pietersen, it had become clear in recent months that change was inevitable if the organisation wanted to survive. Earlier this year members sat down at a two-day workshop to establish where Saaff was heading. Calling in the help of Dr Ray Eberlein, a strategy consultant, the result of the workshop was the development of a new vision, mission and value system. According to Eberlein it had become clear that the organisation had no vision and that if role-players wanted to move Saaff into a new era they would have to look critically at their external and internal environments, redefining their goals. “The outcome of the workshop was that the organisation looked at the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal arenas over the next three to five years and how the changes in these areas would be impacting on business in general but also on the organisation.” Eberlein said after much deliberation it was clear that Saaff as a professional organisation should create and develop a profession and professional standards for the industry, recognise and register suitably qualified professionals, provide and obtain international and national recognition of professional achievement, provide training, education and development opportunities, while also providing leadership and advice in terms of research and trade opportunities. “Essentially the new vision for the organisation is to be an internationally recognised professional members’ organisation that facilitates international trade. Its values include integrity, professional functioning and leadership.” Eberlein said the next step for Saaff was to draw up a new business plan and start implementing the changes necessary to take them into the future.