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How Social Media can Enhance Your Supply Chain

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Let’s face it: compiling a LinkedIn post or sharing an informative Facebook update is hardly likely to be number one on the priority list of a supply chain manager (SCM) or planner when it comes to operations. On any given day, their focus is on dealing with key matters such as inventory management, distribution, warehousing, supplier selections, transport costings, contract implementation, inbound and outbound logistics, to mention just a few.

But more and more supply chain companies are realising the importance of social media and the value that it can add to the supply chain. As a result of the international COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns around the world, people are spending far more time online. This trend is set to continue going forward and consequently more supply chain companies have made the shift online.

Leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook can enhance visibility and transparency across all points of the supply process by relaying the most up-to-date information to as many key players as possible.  

Here are just 4 benefits that supply chain companies will enjoy by using social media:

  1. Increased Customer Engagement: Ongoing communication with customers is key to building strong, lasting, long-term relationships. Sharing information about new products, developments, new insights etc. allows your customers to feel part of the supply chain process. It gives them a sense of comfort. Social media enables also communication to take place 24/7. Supply chain companies should take advantage of social media platforms to enhance their relationships with customers.
  2. Improved Internal Communication: Social media platforms enable messages to be delivered en masse, in real time. This results in better and faster communication at all points of the supply chain and enables partners to share important information and ensure supply chain fluidity. It is a cost-effective communication solution.
  3. Increased Brand Awareness: A strong presence on social media will increase awareness of your brand. Posting regularly can do wonders to raise your company’s profile, which in turn helps to drive sales and increase profitability. A visible and easily searchable web presence is vital in helping a company tell its story, promote and announce products, and reach new customers and markets.
  4. Staying Up-to-date on Industry Trends: By following relevant news organisations, industry publications, associations, and other media outlets on social media, your company will stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the industry. It also enables your company to identify new innovations, learn about best practices, and collaborate with stakeholders, peers and suppliers. Sharing insights with your team and your customers will position your organisation as an industry leader, which in turn will generate new sales and ultimately drive business growth and profits

Social media is key for supply chain success.

Logistics

Alcohol and TOPS Deliveries on the SPAR2U App

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Young lady placing an order on SPAR2U from his phone.

We were asked if we can order from TOPS and how alcohol deliveries work on the SPAR2U app. Below are some answers on your TOPS orders and your alcohol deliveries and how it works on the SPAR2U app.

Which Grocery Delivery Apps Work With TOPS Stores?

You can order beverages from participating TOPS stores from the SPAR2U app.

Are Alcohol Deliveries Available From Participating TOPS Stores?

Yes. We deliver alcohol from TOPS stores through the SPAR2U app.

You can find our full list of participating TOPS stores on our where we deliver page.

What Alcohol Delivery Options Are Available on SPAR2U?

You can order beer, wine, spirits and other available products from participating TOPS at SPAR stores through SPAR2U.

Does SPAR2U Deliver Beer, Wine and Spirits on the Same Day?

Yes. We offer same-day alcohol delivery. This is, however, subject to delivery times and legal trading hours.

If you have any further questions or need to download the app go to https://www.spar.co.za/spar2u

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Tipping Your Driver on the SPAR2U App

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Young man relaxing on his couch as he places a SPAR2U order.

We were asked about how driver tips work on the SPAR2U app. Below are some answers about driver tips and who gets the money on the SPAR2U app.

Can I Add a Tip for My Driver?

Yes, tips help support drivers and ensures they are rewarded for their effort and service. You can add a tip during the checkout process by selecting the tip amount you desire.

Is Tipping Mandatory?

Tipping is optional but highly appreciated by the drivers for their service.

How is the Tip Amount Charged?

The tip amount is added to your total order amount and charged to your selected payment method.

Do Drivers Receive the Full Tip Amount?

Yes, drivers receive 100% of the tips given by customers. Tips go directly to the driver and are not subject to any fees.

If you have any further questions or need to download the app go to https://www.spar.co.za/spar2u

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Runway to Railway Puts Innovation and African Identity at the Heart of Infrastructure

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Runway to Railway panel discussion.

Smarter infrastructure, better connected transport systems and airport experiences that reflect African creativity were at the centre of Runway to Railway: Project Maverick, held at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town on 22 October 2026. The gathering brought aviation, technology and creative perspectives into a discussion about how innovation can improve infrastructure and the experience of the people who use it.

Held under the theme Simply Connect Africa, the event forms part of the Runway to Railway vision conceived by Anna K Hecart, founder and director of Connected Group. The platform brings different sectors together to explore connections between infrastructure, business and opportunity across the continent.

Panel discussion, from right to feft at Project Maverick: Dirk Ackerman, moderator; Nicholas Ferguson, Executive Managing Director, RSA Aero; Hasnain Motlekar, Acting Chief Executive Officer, BCX; and York Ning, Director, ICT Marketing & Solution Sales Department, Huawei South Africa.

Raising the Bar for African Infrastructure. Panel participants: Dirk Ackerman, moderator; Nicholas Ferguson, Executive Managing Director, RSA Aero; Hasnain Motlekar, Acting Chief Executive Officer, BCX; and York Ning, Director, ICT Marketing & Solution Sales Department, Huawei South Africa.

“Runway to Railway began with a belief that Africa’s progress depends on the connections we make between people, industries and ideas,” said Hecart. “We are pleased to announce the Runway to Railway Expo for November 2027. Our ambition is to bring the people shaping transport, infrastructure and technology together with investors and creative businesses to explore practical solutions and build partnerships that move Africa forward.”

The Expo is being developed as a meeting place for aviation, rail, logistics, infrastructure, technology, tourism and design professionals, alongside investors and public-sector stakeholders. Partners can expect opportunities to showcase their capabilities and connect with potential collaborators. Attendees can look forward to discovering innovations, exchanging ideas and exploring how better connected infrastructure can support African business and communities.

Anna K Hecart, Founder and Director of Connected Group and visionary behind Runway to Railway, addresses the attendees at Runway to Rail.

Anna K Hecart, Founder and Director of Connected Group and visionary behind Runway to Railway, addresses the gathering.

The infrastructure conversation brought the airport development perspective together with the technology expertise of BCX and Huawei. It considered how closer collaboration can support better passenger experiences, reliable operations and the practical delivery of connected infrastructure.

“The decisions that shape a passenger’s journey are made across many different organisations,” said Ackerman. “Bringing developers, operators and technology partners together early helps us see how those decisions fit together and where collaboration can make infrastructure work better.”

“An airport is part of a much wider economic network,” said Ferguson. “Its development needs to consider how people arrive, how businesses connect and how the surrounding region benefits. Innovation should support that wider purpose while making the everyday experience more efficient and welcoming.”

“The value of connected infrastructure lies in what it enables people and businesses to do,” said Motlekar. “Reliable networks, secure systems and useful information need to work together. Planning these capabilities from the outset helps organisations improve services and respond as demand changes.”

Gavin Rajah delivered the closing remarks, extending the conversation to the quality and character of retail experiences at African airports. He highlighted the opportunity to bring greater creativity and a stronger expression of African identity into spaces that shape travellers’ first and last impressions of a destination.

“An African airport should give travellers a real sense of place,” said Rajah. “Our retail spaces can do far more to showcase the continent’s design, fashion, food and craft. We have the talent and the stories. The opportunity is to present them with imagination and the quality they deserve, while creating space for African creative businesses to grow.”

Gavin Rajah, closing speaker, at the Runway to Railway conference, addresses creativity and African identity in the airport experience.

Gavin Rajah, closing speaker, addresses creativity and African identity in the airport experience.

Event photographs

Panel discussion on the the Raising the Bar for African Infrastructure panel at Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

The Raising the Bar for African Infrastructure panel at Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

Panelists discuss the Bar for African Infrastructure panel at the Runway to Railway conference.

An exchange during the infrastructure panel discussion.

A panellist contributes discussing Project Maverick at the Runway to Railway conference.

A panellist contributes to the infrastructure discussion.

Presentation at the Runway to Railway conference.

An on-stage presentation during Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

Guests exchange ideas during the luncheon at the Runway to Railway conference at the Vineyard Hotel.

Guests exchange ideas during the luncheon at the Vineyard Hotel.

Guests following the conference programme at Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

Guests follow the programme at Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

Guests enjoying a lunch at the Runway to Railway conference.

Guests seated during the event programme.

Guest listening to a presentation during lunch.

A guest listens during the luncheon.

Guests networking at the Runway to Railway conference.

Guests in conversation during the event.

Guests enjoying the opportunity to network at the Runway

Networking at Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

Attendees at the Runway to Railway conference standing

Guests gather for a photograph at the Vineyard Hotel.

Guests attending the Runway to Railway conference, while networking outside.

Guests connect outside the event venue.

Attendees at the Runway to Railway conference networking inside the Vineyard Hotel.

Conversations continue between programme sessions.

Focused shot of a man and woman networking at the Runway to Railway conference.

A conversation during the event reception.

Two women networking in a lounge area at the Runway to Railway conference.

A conversation at Runway to Railway: Project Maverick.

*All photographs featured in this article were captured by: Elvis Nyelenzi

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