Informative, engaging and interactive panel discussions on topical issues are a major focus and a new element of the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) Congress for 2015.

“The introduction of six panel discussions is part of several new elements SAAFF has added to this year’s three-day Congress, on the theme ‘New Frontiers’, for the local freight forwarding industry,” explains SAAFF CEO David Logan. “These will include the Eikos Maritime Insurance Panel Discussion; Women in Transport; Infrastructure, a panel discussion covering political and economic issues, as well as two SARS sessions.”

The 2015 SAAFF annual Congress takes place from 14 to 16 October at the Durban International Convention Centre, KwaZulu-Natal.

Eikos Maritime Insurance Panel Discussion

This session will focus on ‘Freight Forwarder as Bailee – Liability Insurance and Bailee’s Insurance Route’

Women in Transport Panel Discussion

The freight forwarding business is largely male-dominated and the Government aims to grow representation by women to 50%. Gender equity statistics in the transport industry currently show 38% are women and 62% are men at executive level, with 45% and 55% for women and men at all levels respectively. The Department of Transport’s target is to achieve 50/50 parity.

Confirmed panel members for this discussion include:

Juliette Fourie: CEO – Metro Minds
Nontokozo Gxumisa: Managing Director – MCV Forwarding International (Pty) Ltd
Brenda Horne-Ferreira: CEO – Southern African Shippers Transport and Logistics Council (SASTALC)
Juanita Maree: Financial Director – Savino Del Bene

SARS Sessions

SARS will play an active role in this year’s Congress, hosting a session on each day. The focus of Day One will be recent developments regarding legal and policy matters. The SARS session on Day Two will focus on the Large Business Centres (LBC), the new Small Business Desk (SBD), Compliance and tax incentives.

The Small Business Desks, which are being rolled out at SARS branches around the country, were established as part of the Government’s commitment to support SMMEs and to simplify compliance with their tax obligations. Through the SBDs, SARS aims to make it as easy and convenient as possible for taxpayers to interact, providing a one-stop shop for small business enquiries.

Infrastructure Panel Discussion

The theme of this session is ‘Integrated Planning and Infrastructure Development – How to make this a Reality’. Confirmed panelists include:

Karl Socikwa: CEO – Transnet Port Terminals
Dr Andrew Shaw: Associate Director – PWC
Elvin Harris: President – RailRoad Association

Representatives from the various business units within Transnet have also been invited to participate.

Political / Economic Panel Discussion

This session will explore the topic ‘Where are we Heading?’

“We believe that these panel discussions and the other topics on this year’s Congress Programme will provide delegates with valuable knowledge and insights they can apply in the workplace. We want our delegates to leave the Congress, inspired, motivated, informed and well-prepared, as our vital industry explores the many ‘New Frontiers’ that lie ahead,” concludes Logan.