The founders of the newly minted South African Freight and Logistics Association (SAFLA) say the industry body will represent the “ground-level interests” of freight forwarders and logistics operators across the country.

They say the foundation of the association will be “data-driven advocacy and operational relevance”, with SAFLA entering the arena “with a clear mandate to tackle the friction points that have long slowed trade and burdened businesses”.

SAFLA founding executive officer Dave Logan says the association represents the operational reality other bodies are too centralised to capture.

“SAFLA exists to solve specific problems – border delays, permit duplication, valuation disputes – and to do so with data and accountability.”

Unlike traditional industry bodies that tend toward broad policy positioning, SAFLA says its focus is on measurable outcomes at the coalface of trade.

The association promises to maintain formal representation at key border posts and ports, including Durban, Cape Town, Beitbridge, Lebombo and Ngqura, in an attempt to ensure that corridor-specific challenges receive dedicated attention.

SAFLA's immediate priorities include engagements with the South African Revenue Service, Transnet, the Border Management Authority, and the 17 government agencies and controlling authorities that intersect with freight forwarding and customs compliance within South Africa.

The association says it will use shipment data, delay records and cost analysis to inform regulatory submissions and stakeholder engagements.

“We are not here to make noise,” Logan says. “We are here to deliver quick, visible wins with regulators, and to ensure measurable impact.”

SAFLA also promises to prevent Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal from dominating the agenda within its ranks.

Small and medium-sized enterprise development and representation will also receive prominent attention.

In addition, the association promises to establish a young professionals forum, mentorship programmes, and partnerships with universities and technical and vocational education and training colleges.

Logan is clear about what success will look like for SAFLA in its first year.

“Within 12 months, we expect to demonstrate at least two measurable regulatory improvements, establish functional regional committees across key corridors, and publish data-backed position papers that shift the conversation.”

SAFLA is open for membership enquiries with immediate effect.