The Department of Transport, through the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA), officially launched the inaugural Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Conference in Gqeberha on Monday. The historic event aims to empower emerging players in the cross-border freight sector and drive transformation within the logistics industry.
The conference brought together stakeholders from across the country, including government officials, freight operators, and industry experts, to engage on growth strategies, regulatory compliance, and operational challenges facing MSMEs in the sector.
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa said the initiative marks a major step in opening up the logistics and transport industry to those who have historically been sidelined, including youth, women, and previously disadvantaged communities.
“The seventh administration has identified logistics and transport as key pillars for driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” said Hlengwa. “This conference is part of our reform efforts to revitalise the sector while ensuring real transformation.”
The MSME Conference also aligns with the vision of the Cross-Border Road Transport Act (Act 4 of 1998, as amended), which mandates the agency to facilitate economic participation in the cross-border road transport sector and level the playing field for smaller operators.
Conference sessions focused on practical tools and knowledge sharing to help MSMEs navigate compliance hurdles, improve operational efficiency, and access regional markets.
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The event was widely welcomed by the sector, with participants expressing hope that the platform will not only unlock business opportunities but also strengthen partnerships between government and the private sector.
Organisers confirmed that this will be the first of many similar engagements aimed at building an inclusive, competitive, and transformed transport economy.
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