Press Releases

Tackling youth unemployment and building a stronger economy: How procurement can help

Published

5 years ago

November 15, 2021

The future of the global and local economy depends on the youth, but this is something many of us appear to have forgotten in the last 20 years. As business leaders, we have a responsibility to look after the economies we inherited from previous generations and prepare the way for the youth to step into our shoes. But with 63% of young people in South Africa aged 15 to 24 currently unemployed, it’s clear that we’ve missed the mark. Whether this is as a result of poor leadership, corruption, wasteful expenditure, or simply being too busy with what’s in front of us to plan for what lies ahead, is up for debate. However, the fact remains that if we don’t urgently prioritise job creation and youth skills development, the future of the South African economy looks perilous.

Fortunately, we can take steps to address our shortcomings. Solutions rely on big companies stepping up to make a difference, small companies sprucing up to do better business, and government letting them get on with it. Here’s how I think we could work together to help the youth of today become prudent leaders and powerful consumers of tomorrow.

Addressing the experience gap

Both government and private entities have, for the last few years, focused on skills development. We’ve seen an increase in training programmes, technical skills institutes, support structures, and government-run agencies like the SETAs. So, ostensibly, the knowledge and skills are there. However, the third element in workforce capability – experience – is what’s lacking. And, without it, our youthful job seekers are at a loss.

A friend use to say that we have to allow future leaders to make mistakes, because that’s when they learn. Knowledge and skills can be taught fairly quickly, but experience takes time. To solve this problem, big and small companies need to commit to running meaningful, beneficial internships for the ‘green shoots’ in our workforce. Not tea-making internships, but ones where the trainee gains valuable experience and insight into their chosen industry. So that, at the end of the programme, they aren’t disappointed when the internship doesn’t turn into a full-time position, because they’ve got two other job offers on the table.

The next step is where procurement comes in. Even a skilled, experienced job seeker faces unemployment if they enter an economy where there are no jobs. So, how can we make skills development programmes and meaningful internships productive? How do we create opportunities for young job seekers in South Africa?

Sending your procurement spend in the right direction

In my 20 years in the procurement industry, I’ve noticed that the big organisations we assist have around 3 000 vendors on their books, but 80% of their spend goes to 100 suppliers. Why is that? In some cases, it’s in the interest of speed and efficiency. But how will we grow our economy if the same few names continue to dominate the market?

At Dante Deo, we’ve been doing things a bit differently. When we work with the big-name vendors, we award contracts – worth millions of rands – on condition: that they agree to employ and develop smaller players in the market.

This doesn’t just mean outsourcing 20% of the job to small businesses – as government tenders stipulate, but leveraging that established and renowned company to make a real difference. In a service integrator role, they could assist with practical skills training, as well as help take a small business from good to great. I want to see big players leading and developing smaller players, building everything from practical skills to sound finance and marketing departments. Because, in my experience, that’s often where small businesses fall short. They offer a good service, but don’t have the knowledge or experience to run a business. With a bit of help, they could start hiring their own accountants, tax experts, operations managers, and HR teams. Which will create job opportunities and open up the market to more than a handful of vendors.

Why rural sourcing deserves the spotlight

Initially, those of us in procurement were excited about outsourcing. Then, when international fees became too high, the trend towards near-sourcing emerged. Now, with COVID-19 proving that we don’t need to be in offices or even city centres to be productive, rural sourcing or onshoring has become an appealing option. With a laptop and Internet connection, people in Rustenburg, Estcourt, and Langebaan can service projects anywhere. And, because the cost of living is substantially lower in outlying towns, there are cost-saving advantages to rural sourcing, too. Why should we drive people from Joburg or Pretoria to service a mine in Middelburg? Surely businesses in that community would benefit from doing the job themselves?

Now, if there’s a project in the Midlands, let’s ask the big-name vendor not only to help develop 10 smaller players as part of the job, but to make sure that those small players are within a 50km radius from where the project is based. That way, we’re building small sustainable businesses, increasing job opportunities, and developing skills in previously neglected communities. If that isn’t a win, win, win, I don’t know what is.

In helping the youth, you’re helping yourself

In 2016, Microsoft South Africa partnered with the city of Joburg to train 1 million citizens in digital literacy. An indirect benefit of this was that they probably also increased the number of Microsoft license users. This is what companies should realise: solutions like internships, innovative procurement, and active rural sourcing have the potential to change the lives of South Africa’s youth and significantly increase your bottom line. The youth of today will be the consumers of tomorrow, and if they’re going to buy your product one day, they need your help now.

We don’t need to rely on government to incentivise strategies like this; we should be pursuing them because they are right for the economy, and right for business. Let’s let government focus on building infrastructure, improving network connections, providing proper roads, sanitation, and rubbish removal, and let businesses do what they do best – grow. As business leaders, we should focus on productivity, output, and growth, three key ingredients to economic activity. Hopefully, we’ll pass the recipe down to future leaders so they can confidently take South Africa’s economy into the future.

Logistics

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

Published

5 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/