Freight Personality Series

Full name: Alwyn Jacobus Rautenbach.
Current position: Managing director, Airlink Cargo International.
Born: 10 February 1958 on a farm at Verkeerdevlei in the
Freestate.
Educated: Pretoria Technicon, UNISA.
First job: Assistant engineer (Railway Signalling)
How did you get involved in the freight industry?: As I started my
career in railway signalling, I was always part of logistics and freight
in some or other form.
Most notable changes in the industry in your time: Move of nonbulk
freight from rail to road and air.
Most influential person in shaping your career: Khutso Mampuele,
formerly executive manager of OREX, CEO of SA Express, CEO of
SA Post Office.
Best personal achievement: Design and implementation of the
first PC (personal computer) based signalling control system for iron
ore exports by rail.
Best professional achievement: Receiving a gold award for
productivity improvement from the NPI (National Productivity
Institute) for the iron ore export logistics chain.
Greatest challenge that SA faces: Develop, attract and retain
engineering skills to grow exports of manufactured goods and
reduce crime.
Business icon you most admire: Richard Branson
Most meaningful quote: “See the future before it arrives and plan
for it.” - Prof. Lovemore Mbigi.
Favourite reading: Science and history
Favourite airline: Southwest Airlines
Favourite holiday destination: KZN South Coast
Your views on Ortia: The airport is growing at a pace that has
turned it into a permanent construction site. This causes operational
difficulties but by 2009 Ortia will be a top airport. The challenge
will be the co-operation between Acsa and the operators on the
airport to ensure a pleasant experience for the travelling public.
Outside interests: Playing golf, sport in general Alwyn Rautenbach. and wildlife.