The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA) recently celebrated another milestone with the graduation of its second Candidacy programme for women in the sector.
The Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) funded the programme, which was run by the international logistics and transport professional body. A total of 13 women graduated with an International Diploma in Logistics and Transport and the prestigious, globally recognised Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport designation.
“The CILTSA Candidacy programme offers our graduates the opportunity to not only gain an internationally recognised qualification, but also achieve a portable designation that elevates their standing in the logistics, transport and supply chain industries,” said CILTSA President, Elvin Harris.
“Our designations are recognised in the over 40 countries in which CILT operates, and are a differentiator for transport, logistics and supply chain professionals as the drive to professionalise our industry intensifies.”
TETA’s Corporate Services Unit Executive Manager, Kgatile Nkala, called on the transport industry to expand opportunities to leverage transformation and expedite the appointment of women in positions in logistics, transport and supply chain management.
Nkala added that Statistics South Africa’s 2022 first quarter Quarterly Labour Force Survey showed that more men than women were employed in the transport sector. However, there was a higher quarter-to-quarter change among female employees (7.4%), but a quarter-to-quarter decrease in male employees (-0.4%).
While the figures showed a higher year-on-year increase in the number of male employees (33 000), the percentage of the year-on-year increase in female employees (16,6%) was far higher than that of male employees (4,4%).
“This shows that the transport sector has been making a concerted effort to employ more women each quarter as well as annually,” said Nkala.
The top three women in the CILTSA Candidacy programme recognised for their exceptional achievements are:
- Abigail Graaff – Operations Supervisor: Imperial Logistics – Cape Town Branch
- Martina Mothapo – Senior Finance Manager/Projects Chief Financial Officer: Energy Infrastructure Management Services
- Zenobia van der Westhuizen – Customs Field Support Manager for SSA: DHL Express.
The year-long programme funded by TETA included both theoretical and workplace experience. The programme was implemented by CILT-accredited training provider, Commerce Edge.
International Education Strategy and Business Development Lead for CILT International, Jon Harris FCILT, added that women who chose transport, logistics or supply chain as a profession could use CILT’s programmes to continue to increase their competence to take them to any level in these industries.
“We do not impose a one-size-fits-all approach to our certifications, but rather blend best practices and customise each programme to meet local requirements and needs,” he explained.
