Press Releases

Procurement becoming evermore powerful in SA logistics/supply chain

Published

5 years ago

July 14, 2021

Gaps still exist in finding the right kind of supplier, but these can be effectively addressed – Bidvest International Logistics.

Johannesburg, 14 July 2021 – There simply is no understating the value of procurement professionals to a business.

As the teams responsible for securing suppliers, they actively put their companies in a more competitive position to make them sustainable both in the short and long term. In many respects, procurement is viewed as the quintessential facilitator of business strategy.

In South Africa, the need for effective procurement has never been greater.

The country is emerging from more than a decade of destructive graft, and while President Cyril Ramaphosa has a lot of work to do in terms of regaining public trust, there are strong indications that government hopes to work with the private sector to rebuild state enterprises for the good of the country.

For example, the Transnet National Ports Authority is now becoming an independent subsidiary of Transnet, a move that paves the way for greater synergy between the public sector and private enterprise, particularly in respect of procurement and supply chain management systems.

The maritime business community has roundly welcomed the decision, saying the subsidiary would create more opportunities for previously marginalised smaller businesses.

Government’s new, more trade-focused approach presents a golden opportunity for businesses to work more closely with the state while enhancing their own operations and reputations in the process.

Global transport and logistics company Bidvest International Logistics (BIL) is well versed in procurement and tendering, boasting an international network of 250 offices in 120 countries.

As such, the company is able to offer expert advice to businesses hoping to enhance their existing strategies.

Procurement is a multi-faceted undertaking, as BIL’s team of experts explains.

Willem Bekker, BIL’s supply chain solutions manager, says from the outset, it is important to relay operational or business requirements to a procurement team in a way that allows it to translate these requirements into a request for tender.

“Procurement teams need to be fully in tune with the needs not only of the division or department, but the business as a whole. Finding a supplier that fits with the division or department’s vision and helps them reach their strategic goals is essential,” Bekker says.

In the view of BIL’s national commercial manager, Lodi Borstlap, there are four distinct challenges that need to be met, namely: allowing poor quality for lower costs; the provision of unclear specifications and requirements; not undertaking supplier assessments; and not fully understanding supplier capabilities.

“There are ways to overcome these challenges. For example, the use of consumer feedback is helpful in striking a better balance, especially where an acceptable profit margin is reached,” he says.

“Providing clear details or specifications of what your organisation requires also goes a long way in solving the procurement problem. Implementing proper evaluation strategies and assessments both prior to and after selecting the supplier is another way to produce positive results.”

Both Bekker and Borstlap believe operations teams or those doing the work on a day-to-day basis are best placed to brief a company on procurements.

Among their tips for briefing procurement teams effectively are:

Communicate full scope of work in person by means of an initial workshop of brain-storming session;
Do not rush procurement processes due to tight deadlines – it can end up costing you dearly;
Gain buy-in and explain the purpose, aim and goal that the business is looking for long-term improvement and gains, not a short-term win;
Involve all internal parties from the onset, not just the finance department (operations, commercial, national functions, Human resources and Information Technology (IT);
Ensure full alignment in the company’s overall business goals, and how the supplier fits into the process of achieving these goals;
Ensure full alignment on the expected output/deliverables of the process; and
Be clear on timelines, and manage these tightly.

This aspect is only part of the process, however, as there is still the all-important matter of submitting an attractive tender.

For Rhett Oertel, BIL’s head of sales, it is critical that the tenderer understands what the objectives of the tenderee are, by asking questions related to the purpose in going out to tender, to understand whether the tenderee is motivated by price, service or product offering.

“Once you know what the tenderee needs you are positioned to strategise as a team and determine how you’ll meet those requirements and structure an excellent submission. ”

Oertel is also a great believer in looking at things from the tenderer’s perspective.

“The tenderee also needs to have a clear understanding of the reason for going out to tender. Is it to reduce costs or rates? Are they looking for alternatives in the market because of corporate governance requirements. Or are they looking for a new solution or offering? Once a team is aligned regarding the ‘why’ they will be able to drill down into the details, consider bids objectively and ensure that a decision is made that everyone can be confident in because the winning bid has met the criteria and will lead to key objectives being met.

When responding to a tender, Oertel suggests that the operational aspects of a tender be drawn up by the operations or logistics team.

“These will then need to be mapped against the current business processes to ensure that all aspects are covered. Once this is done, include the procurement and finance teams to ensure that their interests are covered and to ensure that the tender is thorough and complete.”

In terms of finding the best possible supplier, BIL supply chain solutions engineer Ishan Hutheram says businesses should always look for those that stand out for their innovation and willingness to go the extra mile.

BIL suggests the quality of a procurement team’s find can be evaluated on several criteria:

Measure the performance of the supplier on value, and not just cost;
Allow the supplier to also provide feedback on the process and success of the business relationship;
Measure compliance of the supplier to the original proposal;
Customer satisfaction;
Supplier lead times;
Continues Improvement; and
Vendor or supplier availability, flexibility and consistency.

Logistics

Africa’s Cold Chain To Fortify Industry’s Shared Voice at Key Event Next Week

Published

7 hours ago

August 25, 2026

SCN Africa

Africa’s temperature-controlled logistics leaders will strengthen the industry’s shared voice when they gather at the GCCA (Global Cold Chain Alliance) Africa Cold Chain Conference at the Fairway Hotel Resort in Johannesburg, South Africa on September 2-3 2026.

The annual GCCA event is a keenly anticipated feature of the continent’s logistics calendar. It is unique in bringing together third party logistics providers with supply chain partners, customers, politicians and other key stakeholders to address pressing challenges and to discover new opportunities in temperature-controlled logistics.

Conference delegates will join GCCA President & CEO Sara Stickler and GCCA Africa Chairman Dr Newton Matope (CEO of Cold Solutions Kenya) to steer discussions in line with the conference theme, “It’s Time for Dialogue”.

GCCA President & CEO Sara Stickler says: “As Africa’s cold chain navigates ongoing regional and global uncertainty, opportunities to share insights and form new relationships at this year’s GCCA Africa Cold Chain conference are invaluable. So too is the industry’s shared voice, empowering cold chain businesses to help shape Africa’s future at a time when supply chain logistics are evolving in response to regional needs and global change.

“GCCA’s work in Africa has built a new foundation for finding solutions to shared temperature-controlled logistics challenges, for collaborating to access new opportunities, and for advocating for the industry’s needs with governments and key stakeholders. This all starts with two-way dialogue and we look forward to fortifying the shared voice of Africa’s cold chain at the GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference 2026.”

GCCA will welcome Mohammed Mahomedy, Head of Infrastructure and Rail for Africa at DP World, as the conference’s keynote speaker. He will take to the conference main stage on September 3 to share insights into DP World’s approach to integrated logistics at scale, in practice.

Main stage sessions and panel discussions will be delivered throughout the conference by a high quality rostrum of renowned experts including:

Chris Hattingh, Executive Director, CRA (Centre for Risk Analysis) onthe business trading climate in Africa and the role of geopolitics
Dr. Martin Cameron, Managing Director, Trade Research Advisory (Pty) Ltd on how trade policy meets reality
Dr. Juanita Maree, CEO, SAAFF (Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders) discussing freight forwarding in a new era of dialogue
Dr Ikechukwu Opara of the University of the Western Cape exploring sustainable food systems
Cassandra Potteiger, Head of Strategy, Marketing and Communication at SA Harvest on people and partnerships.

Find out more and register to attend at www.gcca.org/events/gcca-african-cold-chain-conference/.

Logistics

Uber Eats vs SPAR2U: The Ordering Experience

Published

1 day ago

August 24, 2026

SCN Africa

We placed two identical orders one minute apart through the SPAR2U app and Uber Eats app to compare the purchase experiences. Using the same SPAR store (SUPERSPAR Sunninghill), basket and delivery location, we compared everything from the final price to live updates, fulfilment and delivery times to see how each platform performed.

App Testing: The Order and Price

To keep the test as fair as possible, we made sure that none of the ordered items were on special – in order to keep the comparison in price as close as possible.

The basket contained a mix of everyday household and baking essentials:

Items	SPAR2U	Uber Eats	Substitutes
Brown Bread	R16.59	R23.00
Butter 500g	R99.99		Butter 250g: R144.40
Peppermint Crisp	R61.99	R68.00
Heavy Cream	R59.99	R68.99
Tennis Biscuits x2	R59.98	R69.00
Caramel	R46.99		Condensed milk: R49.80
Dish Washing Liquid 750ml	R39.99		Dish washing liquid refill 750ml: R37.00
Dog Treats	R29.99	R34.50
Total:	R415.51	R494.69
Service Fee		R15.90
Driver Tip	R10.00	R10.00
Delivery Fee	R37.00	R25.00
Total Purchase Order:	R462.51	545.59

Final Price: Uber Eats vs SPAR2U

The SPAR2U order came to R462.51 and the Uber Eats order cost R545.59. This left us with a difference of R83.08, making the Uber Eats order 18% more expensive than the SPAR2U order.

Real-Time Updates and Communication

After placing both orders, the apps provided live updates throughout the shopping and delivery process; from when the shopping started through to the final delivery time and driver tracking.

SPAR2U sent shopping updates and updated invoices showing the items being picked, packed, and eventually dispatched via email. On the other hand, Uber Eats sent push notifications to keep us updated on the progress of the order.

Both apps kept us in the loop throughout the shopping experience.

Delivery Times

With both orders placed, we began tracking the progress of the deliveries.

The following times were recorded:

Stage	SPAR2U	Uber Eats
Order time	09:30	09:31
Time the shopper started	10:06	09:33
Time the shop was completed	10:13	09:45
Time order was dispatched	10:30	09:54
Delivery time	10:50	10:07

Both orders were placed practically at the same time, just one minute apart, but Uber Eats started shopping way faster – their shopper started picking items just two minutes after the 09:31 order went through. SPAR2U took 36 minutes just to get started at 10:06.

Interestingly, SPAR2U was actually faster once they were in the aisles, taking only seven minutes to finish shopping compared to Uber’s 12 minutes.

The real gap opened up during dispatch and delivery, though. Uber Eats had the items out the door nine minutes after picking (09:54) and delivered them in 13 minutes flat at 10:07. SPAR2U sat waiting 17 minutes for dispatch, followed by a 20-minute drive.

All in all, Uber Eats crushed it: total time was 36 minutes end-to-end, while SPAR2U took 80 minutes. Uber beat SPAR2U to the doorstep by 44 minutes.

Final Time Comparison: SPAR2U vs Uber Eats

Overall, Uber Eats completed the order-to-door process in 55% less time than SPAR2U.

Order Fulfilment

When both deliveries arrived, we unpacked everything and compared the orders with our shopping list. The SPAR2U order was completed to a T, with all eight items delivered as ordered.

The Uber Eats order was a little different. We specifically ordered the same 500g butter from both apps, yet the Uber Eats order arrived with a 250g pack from a different brand instead and was more expensive. The same happened with the 750ml dishwashing liquid, which was suitably substituted with a 750ml refill bag.

Finally, the caramel, which wasn’t available on the Uber Eats app, was replaced with condensed milk.

SPAR2U Order

Uber Eats Order

Usually, the Uber Eats shopper is meant to contact you before making a substitution or replacement, but for this order they did not do so. So we only saw the replacements when the order arrived.

Our Final Take

Now that the groceries have been unpacked, here’s what we took away.

1. Shopping Time

The first big difference was how long it took for each order to get moving. The Uber Eats shopper started picking the order just two minutes after it was placed while the SPAR2U shopper only started 36 minutes later.

Interestingly, once shopping began, SPAR2U had the edge. The shopper completed the SPAR2U order in 7 minutes, compared with 12 minutes for Uber Eats.

2. Order Completion Time

The biggest difference came down to the overall delivery time. The Uber Eats order arrived 36 minutes after it was placed, while the SPAR2U order took 80 minutes to reach the door, but was still delivered within the allocated time 10–11 a.m. time slot.

The Uber Eats order arrived 44 minutes before the SPAR2U order.

3. Speed Isn’t Everything

Getting your groceries to the door quickly is great, but it’s not the only thing that matters. Price, product availability, substitutions, and updates from the app and shopper all play a massive role in the overall experience.

The Verdict Is In: Which Ordering Experience is Better?

After testing both ordering experiences, the choice of which delivery app to use for your next order ultimately comes down to your personal preference.

If speed is your priority, Uber Eats takes the cake for a quick and convenient shopping and delivery experience.

Or, if you are a bit more savvy about specials, price, promotions and combo deals, SPAR2U is your go-to platform.

What the test did show us is that the ordering experience is about much more than getting groceries to your door. From finding products and spotting promotions to watching an order move from confirmed to shopping to dispatched and finally delivered, every step contributes to the experience.

SPAR2U delivery bag delivered to your front door: bag lying in front of a wooden door.

Logistics

Third CILT Regional Conference to Explore Transport, Trade and Mobility Priorities at Automechanika Johannesburg

Published

4 days ago

August 21, 2026

SCN Africa

CILTSA Automechanika Johannesburg for its Regional Conference 2026 event poster

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) will bring leaders from Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe together at Automechanika Johannesburg for its Regional Conference 2026, taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on 28 and 29 October 2026.

Held under the theme ‘Driving Innovation, Bridging Borders for an African Future’, the conference will examine how transport, logistics and automotive ecosystems can support connected economies across the continent. The programme places collaboration at the centre of discussions on trade corridors, harmonised systems, safety, skills and the changing mobility landscape.

Elvin Harris, President of CILT South Africa, presenting at a CILTSA conference.

Elvin Harris: President – CILT South Africa

Elvin Harris, President of CILT South Africa, says the conference offers a meeting point for sectors whose success increasingly depends on coordinated action. “Transport and logistics connect every part of the economy. This gathering will create space for discussion on the infrastructure, standards, technology and people needed to move goods and opportunities efficiently across the region.”

Connecting Corridors and Enabling Trade

A central conference focus will be the future of Africa’s strategic road and rail corridors. Delegates will explore ways to reduce border delays and non-tariff barriers, strengthen one-stop border posts, and improve links between ports, dry ports and inland terminals.

Discussions will also consider investment approaches for corridor infrastructure, including public-private partnerships and blended finance, alongside the relationship between transport networks, the African Continental Free Trade Area and regional industrialisation.

Head shot of Dr. Tapiwa Mujakachi, President of CILT Zimbabwe.

Dr. Tapiwa Mujakachi: President – CILT Zimbabwe

Dr Tapiwa Mujakachi, President of CILT Zimbabwe, states that efficient cross-border systems are essential to prosperity. “Regional trade depends on reliable routes, predictable processes and a commitment to solving operational challenges. The conference will bring attention to the work required to make corridors serve businesses, communities and national development priorities.”

The agenda will further address harmonisation across borders, including vehicle standards, roadworthiness, weights and dimensions, customs documentation, permits and professional qualifications. Delegates will consider the development of common regulatory frameworks for new vehicle technologies, as well as the importance of aligning systems across regional economic communities.

Innovation, Safety and the Workforce of the Future

The conference will also examine the safety and security of people, cargo and freight corridors. Key themes include reducing road fatalities, promoting driver wellbeing on long-haul routes, countering cargo crime, strengthening fleet compliance, and using technology for tracking, monitoring and incident response. Cooperation among operators, regulators and law-enforcement agencies will feature as a foundation for safer regional supply chains.

Conversations will cover electric and new-energy vehicles, supporting infrastructure, local manufacturing opportunities, digital freight and last-mile platforms, smart logistics, data and artificial intelligence. Attention will also be given to policy support, funding and incubation for start-ups and small enterprises, together with the role of special economic zones in automotive and component innovation.

Portrait of Prisca Mayumbelo, President of CILT Namibia.

Dr. Tapiwa Mujakachi: President – CILT Zimbabwe

Prisca Mayumbelo, President of CILT Namibia, says the programme recognises regional opportunities. “Africa’s mobility future will be shaped by innovation that is relevant to local conditions and supported by capable institutions. Sharing experience across countries can help turn promising ideas into practical improvements for industry and society.”

Education, training and skills development will complete the programme’s core themes. Sessions will consider new-energy vehicle and digital logistics careers, technical and vocational pathways, industry-academia partnerships, work-integrated learning and professional development. The agenda will also highlight approaches to attracting young people and women into transport, logistics and automotive careers, while addressing funding for scarce-skills training.

Formal conference sessions will be followed each day by opportunities for delegates to visit the Automechanika expo floor and engage with exhibitors. CILT expects the event to encourage durable regional relationships and help shape solutions that support an African future built on connected African systems.

More information can be found at: https://www.ciltsa.events/cilt-conference-at-automechanika-johannesburg/