A major skills shortage is on the horizon. By 2030, demand for skilled workers will outstrip supply, resulting in a global talent shortage of more than 85.2 million people. In the logistics industry, this is already being felt. South Africa is experiencing a widening logistics skills gap, which is severely impacting the competitiveness of the country’s economy and trade.
To address this, the SAAFF Training Academy (SAAFFTA) has been launched. This B-BBEE level 1, majority black-owned, learning institution for professionals and businesses offers targeted training solutions and capacity building interventions for the transport, logistics and supply chain industries.
“SAAFFTA has been established to first and foremost remedy the lack of skills that are apparent within the supply chain business environment,” explained Director Jerann Naidu. “SAAFFTA aims to set the benchmark for industry best practice by linking industry experts, relevant curricula and cutting-edge learning technologies & methodologies to cultivate local talent that can compete on the global stage,” he continued.
Offering a range of locally and internationally accredited qualifications and programmes, the Academy also provides bespoke entrepreneurship development for small, medium- and micro-enterprises within the sectors.
Naidu explained that SAAFFTA has a collective of industry experts who align training to industry needs. “Our approach to education and training is underpinned by a blended learning philosophy that uses in-class, virtual/online and workplace simulation tools that reinforce the subject matter taught to learners, with real-world experiences.”
Bespoke solutions meeting industry needs
The use of a unique Work Experience Model producing work-ready candidates is one of the differentiating factors of SAAFFTA. “We want to add value to the industry,” said Naidu. “We do not want to bleed millions of Rands in penalties, costs and delays, but rather contribute to the building of a resilient logistics network that is the heartbeat of our economy.”
Some of the guiding principles of the Academy include:
- Setting the benchmark for industry talent to compete on the global stage.
- A focus on integrated outcomes-based capacity building: SAAFFTA’s unique blended learning approach, coupled with its workplace simulation, ensures that graduates have the competency, attitude and aptitude to easily integrate into the world of work.
- Impact and compliance: SAAFFTA’s continuous monitoring and evaluation of best practices ensure delivery of tangible and measurable social and economic return on investments. SAAFFTA’s programmes and initiatives are aligned to the National Development Plan (NDP) and the B-BBEE codes of good practice.
- Economic emancipation: Contributing to the economic development of the country working with emerging entrepreneurs, small and medium businesses and youth.
- Collaboration, not competition: SAAFFTA aims to harness the power of Ubuntu as it collaborates with like-minded local and international industry leaders in the skills development, innovation and capacity building ecosystem.
Media contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, International Trade Magazine
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: editor@logistics-buyer.com
