New truckers’ association brings fresh change to the SA supply chain

The Emerging Truckers’ Association of South Africa (TASA) has been established recently and comprises mainly women who are active role players in the transport and logistics business sector. The aim of the association is to facilitate transformation and make it possible for emerging role players to thrive in an industry that generates over R12 billion per annum.

Speaking at the launch of the association in July, Deputy Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, said there was a need to facilitate the entry of more black businesses into the industry. According to Chikunga, the department is looking at the holistic value chain to transform the transportation industry so that all industry players may have a share of the market.

SA coal transporters generate about R1,1 billion, and transporters of goods such as petroleum, manganese, chrome, iron-ore, food and beverages, as well as general cargo, generate approximately R10,9 billion, according to Mary Phadi, Convener of TASA. Regarding TASA’s objectives, Phadi said: “At TASA, we mainly want to represent truckers from a previously disadvantaged background with limited resources, and in supporting industries.

“TASA intends to play a role of influence within the supply chain by changing the current status quo within the truck towing services, maintenance, sales and distribution, logistics, fuel supply, tyres supply and fitment, truck parts and spares, financing of trucks, stock exchange, bargaining council, fleet management systems, tracking services and panel beating, among others.”