The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA) has praised the strong industry backing that powered the 2025 Women Empowerment Conference, signalling a growing commitment across the transport, logistics and supply chain sectors to advance women into leadership roles.
Held under the theme “Fuelling Her Rise: Leadership in Motion”, the event brought together senior executives, entrepreneurs and emerging professionals for a day of insight, reflection and concrete action toward inclusive growth.
Forging New Pathways
Programme directors Devlyn Naidoo from the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders and Heineken Beverages’ Shevon Kotiah steered an interactive programme focusing on leadership, confidence and career development in a rapidly changing operating landscape.
In her keynote address, Lyn Chiweshe, Co-Founder of Parwaringira Enterprises, underscored the importance of visibility, sponsorship and networks in helping women climb the leadership ladder. She was followed by Galetlowe Semenya, Founder of Matriarch Professional Association, who unpacked imposter syndrome and offered practical tools for self-confidence and presence in male-dominated environments.
Building Leadership Pipelines
A powerful fireside chat featuring Maphefo Anno-Frempong (TETA), Nomsa Mokoena (Faithrich Logistics), Maserati Ramokadi (Absa) and Garry Marshall (SA Express Parcel Association), facilitated by Ignatia Sekonyela (Bathudi Technical Training), explored how to develop leadership pipelines and ensure accountability in advancing women into decision-making roles.
CILTSA Executive Director Catherine Larkin CMILT chaired a professionalisation panel highlighting how recognised qualifications and designations can strengthen women’s career prospects. Panelists included Ingrid du Buisson (Institute for Customs and Freight Forwarding), Ronald Mlalazi (Commerce Edge), Olive Gumikiriza (Harley Reed South Africa) and Anno-Frempong.
A tech-focused discussion led by Glenda Maitin (BBOpEx) with panellists from Standard Bank Group, Liberty Group, Kaizen Institute and Atarah Solutions examined how digital tools and innovation can unlock new opportunities for women-led businesses.
Concrete Commitments
The event moved beyond talk to tangible commitments. ActionCoach and the Shevon K Foundation awarded mentorship and coaching programmes, while BBOpEx pledged a virtual workshop to help eight unemployed youth strengthen their career prospects in logistics.
“This conference showed that our sector is no longer satisfied with statements of intent,” said CILTSA President, Elvin Harris. “We’re seeing real investments in mentorship, skills development and women-owned businesses. That’s what meaningful progress looks like.”
Industry Support
The event drew strong sponsorship and participation from major industry players, including Isuzu, Produkta Trucks, PowerFleet, TPS, Hatfield Motors Group, MasterDrive, ISB Optimus, Tendai Mhlanga Photography, and SME Entrepreneur Magazine.
Attendee Dayashnee Govender from Centurion Systems summed up the spirit of the day: “It was an incredible opportunity to learn, share and commit to action. The conversations on leadership, digital transformation and resilience will stay with us long after the event.”
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