SkyNet Worldwide Express has once again won the courier and express parcel tender for the IEC

SkyNet, which has been the courier behind election logistics since the first democratic election in 1994, has been re-awarded the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) distribution contract through a conventional open-tender process. The courier won the tender due to its extensive national infrastructure, its proven track record and, of course, its value offering.

There are an estimated 26 million eligible voters in South Africa living in 23 000 different voting districts with 260 municipal electoral offices. During high-peak periods, such as the national elections, IEC logistics demands thousands of tonnes of voting materials and months of man-hours. And, in some instances, it also involves overseas voting.

This is a mammoth task as failure can have a detrimental impact on the country. It requires a courier with a reputation for reliability across the length and breadth of the land. With demand patterns becoming increasingly volatile, the distribution systems of companies like SkyNet become more and more critical to customer and channel partner satisfaction. And while the stakes may be higher if something should go wrong at election time, every brand owner faces the same challenges.

Many major courier and logistics companies competed for the tender when the IEC put it out to the public. Important variables like BBBEE scores, reputation for reliability, network strength and the value proposition were all put to test.

“We have always been considered a tough match to our competition,” says Raymond Ngubane of SkyNet. “We are really happy to be able to serve the country again through the IEC tender. Our robust network and vast infrastructure, is a perfect fit to their needs.”

One of the most empowered (Level 3 BBBEE) courier companies in South Africa, SkyNet’s extensive fleet and integrated network of cross-docking facilities sees this courier deliver and collect from over 450 towns everyday. It was clearly well poised to manage the IEC’s distribution effort. And with overseas voting, being the world’s largest independently owned distribution network means SkyNet reaches 1 115 hubs through over 200 gateway cities.

“We have never let the IEC down,” says Ngubane. “Our work on the elections has always been performed efficiently and without incident.”

The courier remains a responsible corporate citizen, strictly adhering to the Labour Relations Act and the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act. Ensuring that all vehicles are loaded correctly with the proper accreditation is crucial as “it would be inconceivable to have IEC materials detained by the authorities because of any non-compliance with road regulations or accidents,” says Ngubane.

“SkyNet continues to present a compelling and competitive case with superior infrastructure and an unblemished track record,” says Ken Light, head of business development at Crossroads, SkyNet’s parent company. “We are confident in our ability to maintain a long and healthy relationship with the IEC.”