South Africa’s transport system comprising roads, rail, aviation, and maritime networks remains a crucial driver of driving the country’s economic growth and trade. Yet, it faces a range of challenges including infrastructure deterioration, skills shortages, inefficiencies in freight logistics, and limited connectivity in rural areas. According to recent reports by the Department of Transport, logistics costs account for approximately 10–12% of South Africa’s GDP, one of the highest in emerging markets. These inefficiencies not only hinder trade but also impact employment and service delivery.
In light of these challenges, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (FEMS) together with the NWU Career Services at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted two dynamic Career Expos on its Vanderbijlpark and Mahikeng campuses, held on 13 and 21 October respectively. Centred around the theme “Our Journey to Prosperity Through Transport and Logistics,” the expos brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, academics, students, and industry experts to explore the opportunities, challenges, and future of South Africa’s transport and logistics sector.
The expos served as important platforms for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration, with a clear focus on innovation, skill-building, and partnerships that can open new doors for prosperity within the transport and logistics industries.
Over 44 exhibitors participated, including representatives from the Department of Transport (DoT), Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA), South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Civil Aviation Authority, and private logistics companies. They engaged with more than 140 students, recent graduates, as well as NWU staff and faculty leaders.
The Vanderbijlpark Campus Career Expo opened with a warm welcome by Prof Jeffrey Mpahlele, DVC: Research & Innovation, Community Engagement, and Postgraduate Studies, who reaffirmed NWU’s role in producing graduates ready to solve South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
The keynote speaker, NWU alumnus Mr Wessels Morweng from the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, highlighted the importance of a modern and inclusive transport system. “A modernised, inclusive transport system plays a key role in driving economic growth, facilitating trade, and promoting social mobility,” he said. “Mahikeng Airport is currently undergoing renovations, and we are partnering with Civil Aviation South Africa to introduce pilot training short courses, which will support regional development,” he added.
The morning Panel Discussion on Research & Industry Priorities featured Mr Simon Ssikabira (Chief Director of Research, DoT), Ms Mashabane Ouma Ledwaba (TETA Research & Knowledge Manager), and NWU’s Prof Verona Leendertz, Deputy Dean: Research and Innovation at FEMS. They explored how collaborative research between universities and industry can lead to smarter transport policies and new innovations.
Another panel titled “Position Yourself in the Transport and Related Industry” included Ms Sizwe Dlamini, Ms Tinyiko Mayinga (TETA), Mr Danie Baard, Mr Ian Bird, Mr Gerhard Marias, and Ms Abigail Mooketsi. Chaired by Mr Ndumiso Nzama from the Taxi Chamber and TETA ETD, the discussion focused on employability, sector transformation, and the urgent need for professionals skilled in logistics technology, fleet management, and supply chain analytics.
The day concluded with a Student and Graduate Session where NWU Career Services, alongside HR leaders from industry, DoT, alumni, and TETA representatives, offered practical career advice, recruitment tips, and internship opportunities to help graduates transition smoothly into the transport and logistics workforce.
The Mahikeng Campus Expo followed suit, offering a vibrant and insightful programme that emphasised local industry engagement and student participation. Mr Jim Molautsi, Chief Director of Student Life, opened the event, followed by an inspiring keynote from Kgosi Phenyo Motshegare of the Barolong ba Lokaleng, who spoke about transport’s historical and cultural role in connecting communities and enabling economic self-reliance. Kgosi Motshegare added that the North-West University, through its academic programmes in Transport and Logistics, continues to foster partnerships with the Department of Transport to promote research, teaching, and learning in this important field. The Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) continues to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to enhance and sharpen expertise within this fraternity. “It is therefore everyone’s responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of the transport and logistics sector,” he said.
He also shared a heartfelt appeal: “The North-West University has adopted a primary school in my village, which falls under my authority. Through this partnership, the Department of Transport and Logistics Management has been able to donate dignity packs to the learners. It is my wish and dream that the North-West University can go a step further by offering at least five bursaries annually to matric learners from my village to study Transport and Logistics Management.”
The Research and Industry Priorities session included contributions from NWU students Messrs Dlulane, Mokgaola, and Mokoena, as well as from Mr Simon Ssikabira (DoT), Ms Mashabane Ouma Ledwaba (TETA), and Ms Khanyile Selebo from the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency, who addressed critical skills gaps in the freight industry. Prof
Volition Montshioa, Chairperson of Business Statistics, Information Systems, and Transport Economics & Logistics Management, outlined NWU’s approach to aligning research outputs with national development goals.
The Student and Graduate Session, themed “Seek, Find and Secure Opportunities in Transport and Related Sectors”, included a panel of key stakeholders such as TETA (Mr Ramodise Tsolo), Department of Transport (Ms Dinah Maleka, Director: HRD Sector), Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Yarona Rustenburg Rapid Transport, Dee Nakedi SCM Consultancy, Tag Fleet Management, and White Zulu Human Capital Management. Discussions revolved around recruitment pipelines, human resource development, and future skills in digital logistics.
The event concluded with reflections from the FEMS student chapter chairperson and Transport and Logistics Management committee chairperson, followed by closing remarks and a vote of thanks from Prof Dan Metsileng.
Both Career Expos demonstrated the NWU’s commitment to connecting academia with industry, ensuring that graduates are not only work-ready but world-ready. Through initiatives like these, NWU’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and Career Services are helping shape a new generation of transport and logistics professionals equipped to lead South Africa toward a more connected, efficient, and prosperous future.
From left are Silvanus Welcome; Director, Development and Fundraising. Simon Ssikabira; Chief Director at the Department of Transport. Wessels Morweng; MEC for the Northwest Department of Community Safety and Transport Management. Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele; VC Deputy Vice Chancellor. Prof Verona Leendertz; Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Ouma Ledwaba; Teta Research & Knowledge Manager, and Dr Jani van Der Vyfer: Senior Laison Officer.
From Left are Ian Bird, TETA representative. Ndumiso Nzama; Taxi Chamber at TETA. Abigail Mooketsi; ETD Practitioner at TETA. Danie Baard, TETA representative, Mr Ndumiso Nzama, Taxi Chamber & TETA ETD practitioner and Gerhard Marais, TETA representative.
Kgosi Phenyo Motshegare
