The Road Freight Association (RFA) is calling on its members and all industry stakeholders to support the call to provide desperately needed water and other essentials to communities devastated by the floods in KwaZulu-Natal. “Whether you are a large trucking operator or operate bakkies, vans, motorcycles – or someone who would simply like to support our ‘Truckers Making a Difference’ campaign – you too can help those who have been devastated by the floods,” says Gavin Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of the Road Freight Association.

“There are a number of ways in which people and organisations can assist our ‘Truckers Making a Difference’ campaign,” explains Kelly. “Everyone can make a donation – even a 5-litre bottle of water will bring relief to those in need. Although food, blankets and shelter are also needed, water is the overwhelming need for communities right now. KwaZulu Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala indicated earlier today that it could take months to repair flood damage to the Tongaat Water Works – the RFA would like to do what we can to make even a small difference in making the lives of flood victims easier.” 

For those wishing to donate water or other essential items for flood victims, there are two drop-off points: Airport Lodge Guest House, 6-273 Koppie Ave, Kempton Park, 1619, and 309 Malcolm Str, Garsfontein, Pretoria.

More drop off points will be announced on rfa.co.za and @RFA on Facebook as they become available

The Association is also calling on its members – and any other stakeholder – who have depots and storage facilities, to open these facilities as community drop-off points.

The communities of Tongaat, Umdloti and The Bluff have appealed for urgent assistance and have been targeted as the initial priority areas.

Organisations and individuals wanting to make donations or facilities available to “Truckers Making a Difference” can contact Charlene on [email protected] or call 074 490 0974.

Durban 22 March 2022   A leading transporter wanted to move high volumes of perishable goods efficiently. Their current inter-link trailer used by the transporter for many years needed to be refined and made user-friendly and less prone to mechanical wear and tear. Serco’s technical team were eager to step up to the challenge.

In an impressive display of its engineering capabilities, Serco designed and built a refrigerated interlink trailer which incorporated a hydraulic system to enable through loading, rear docking and high-volume transport of perishable goods.

The interlink is a purpose-built refrigerated trailer designed specifically for the customer’s requirements – was in a 9.1m/9.1m combination.

The refrigerated interlink was built in such a way that there could be through loading or individual docking of each link with minimal negative impact on the cold chain. This is achieved with a custom-built hydraulic system.

Engineering specifics include:

• Custom-machined hydraulics, rolling elements and guides allow the front box to move forward and backwards along the chassis beam
• Front and rear docking points ensure the box is secure in its resting and fully extended position.
• A custom-made hydraulic cylinder and power pack cater for the 4-metre stroke.
•  The design incorporates an energy chain to allow for the power and diesel lines to feed the fridge and interior lighting while allowing for the box to slide.

The newly designed refrigerated interlink is ideal for transporters for high volumes of perishable food products, while also offering flexibility for efficient on and offloading of the two links independently.

Johannesburg, 17 February 2022 – The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) in South Africa, is calling on professionalisation in buying practices through the standardisation of processes and compliance, ethics guidance and training for professionals.

CIPS is a not-for-profit global organisation that trains individuals and teams on procurement and supply matters, including public sector and businesses on how to spot and prevent fraud, corruption and bribery in procurement, increase transparency in supply chains, and work with suppliers to encourage best practice. CIPS South Africa is the only SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) recognised professional body in the country. Fully qualified CIPS members sign up to a code of ethics and can complete an annual ethics test to raise their membership status further and become Chartered members.

Dr Sara Bux, the General Manager of CIPS South Africa, said, “This professional body and the CIPS for Business team, always challenges procurement leaders to remain relevant by becoming Chartered members and/or for organisations to achieve the CIPS ethics mark, demonstrating they have the latest insights, up-to-date skills and are committed to ethical practices.”

CIPS South Africa Head of Professional Body, Sarie Homan responsible for professional standards in education said, “Procurement and supply managers must adopt good practices in their respective organisations and departments, and these can be simple such as advertising policies and processes to combat fraud or creating a confidential whistleblowing helpline for staff and suppliers to raise concerns. Managers can also draw up policies around gifts and hospitality often intended to influence decision-making where these instances are logged and reported on regularly.”

CIPS offers a range of resources for members and also non-members as part of its public good agenda.

Craig O’Flaherty, Head of CIPS for Business in CIPS South Africa, adds,” Responsible procurement is a reputational and economic imperative, whether it is a state-owned or private business. 

“Procurement teams where day-to-day business decisions are made should focus on automatically doing the right thing, to enhance the reputation of their business as well as meeting regulations and world-wide standards,” he says.   

“We may be suffering from the effects of uncertainty at the moment, but like any terrain, formidable leaders can conquer these challenges with the right knowledge, the right equipment and the right skills. Armed with an inquisitive and decisive attitude, and influential and persuasive skills, a strong procurement and supply management leader can steer not only their teams but their organisation to success.”

For more information on ethics training and guidance contact the CIPS Africa team.