The need for networking and the social support it provides for supply chain operators at a time when South Africa’s logistics sector is in duress was made abundantly clear on Thursday night, October 13, at the Thirsty’s function held by Freight News in Sandton.
From early on, decision-makers from all sectors of the import-export trade arrived at the Country Club Johannesburg in Woodmead for one of the most-anticipated industry events of the year.
Traditionally, they are held in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban – but Covid-19 put paid to this during the various stages of lockdown in 2022 and ’21.
Last night’s function though heralded a well-attended reintroduction of the popular get-together.
Dave Marsh, erstwhile publisher of Freight & Trading Weekly, which has been rebranded Freight News, said it was great to see everyone again.
It was an unusual moment when the sound system crackled for Dave to say something.
“Let’s get the networking back,” he said.
He also reminded people that “the idea of Thirsty’s is no speeches, no presentations. Just networking!”
His son Anton, current publisher and managing director of holding company Now Media, said: “After years of not being able to socialise, this was a great function with people really appreciating being able to be together and see people they haven’t seen in a long time.”
Linda van der Pol, sales director for Freight News, described the evening as a “delightful evening of networking with freight and logistics colleagues.
“Everyone was so pleased to be at an event again. Great turnout, success all round.”
Plans are to hold Thirsty’s events in each of the three cities from 2023 - as was the case pre-Covid.
Peter Schmidt-Löffler of Leschaco and Arend du Preez of Crossroads Distribution.
Dave Marsh, Now Media; Paul March and Mike Brews of Horizon Underwriting Managers; and Dinesh Balgobind, ICA Bulk.
Sean Petzer, ESBD; Morne Erskine, Groupair; Jay Cameron, Aero Africa; Paul Danvers, Groupair; and Samantha Britz, Freight News.
Peter Bailey, SST; Rory Sterley, Onelogix; and Rogan Brent, SST.
Welcome back Thirsty's. Seen here are Kim Botti of Lee Botti & Associates and Jonathan McDonald of JLOG International.
