The Road Freight Association (RFA) concluded its 2026 Convention with a strong call for urgency, discipline and collaboration to strengthen South Africa’s freight sector, improve logistics performance and support economic growth.
Held from 29–31 May at The Capital Zimbali Hotel in KwaZulu-Natal under the theme “Shifting Gears”, the convention brought together industry stakeholders for a programme of expert presentations, panel discussions and networking events focused on the challenges and opportunities shaping the road freight sector.
Road freight remains a critical economic enabler
RFA Chairperson Penwell Lunga opened the convention by highlighting the severe cost pressures facing operators, noting that diesel prices had risen by more than 60% this year.
“With diesel accounting for more than 40% of operating costs for many operators, the current cost environment has become unsustainable and unlike anything the industry has experienced before,” he said.
RFA CEO Gavin Kelly reflected on the Association’s achievements during 2025, including membership growth, labour stability and financial sustainability.
“We strengthened the Association, grew membership by 14%, maintained another year of labour peace, hosted well-attended industry engagements and kept the RFA on a sound financial footing,” said Kelly.
Despite these gains, Kelly stressed that operators continue to face mounting operational pressures. “As an industry, we faced serious pressure regarding undocumented foreign drivers, port queues, terminal congestion, rail performance decline, increased crime, shrinking margins – and much more. These challenges require active participation from every member, stronger compliance, better data, smarter technology and practical collaboration across the sector.”
Kelly also pointed to risks associated with employment equity implementation, B-BBEE uncertainty, violent protests, crime, labour militancy and fleet immobilisation. At the same time, he highlighted opportunities linked to AfCFTA growth, freight city development, private sector participation in ports and rail, and improved operator compliance.
Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa used his keynote address to reaffirm government’s commitment to a sustainable, compliant and integrated freight sector.
“An efficient and functioning transport sector that moves people and goods safely, speedily and affordably across the length and breadth of our country is the key to a successful economy,” he stated.
Hlengwa said government would continue supporting rail reforms, road maintenance, port efficiency, border improvements, overload control, truck stop infrastructure, driver wellness and corridor security.
“Policy alone will not deliver reform. Partnership with industry and labour is essential,” he stressed.
Economic and political risks take centre stage
Simphiwe Letlojane, Head of Security Investments at Absa, examined the economic forces currently shaping road transport and freight performance. His presentation explored the influence of geopolitics, oil prices, inflation, interest rates, economic growth, Transnet reform and infrastructure investment. “Transnet has improved its performance,” he noted, while highlighting improvements across logistics, ports and rail.
Letlojane’s outlook positioned transport as central to South Africa’s investment case, trade performance and broader economic recovery prospects.
Political analyst Justice Malala provided an assessment of domestic and geopolitical risks, examining the Government of National Unity, ANC internal dynamics, immigration protests, the 2026 local government elections, emerging political forces and South Africa’s relationship with the United States.
Using his flags framework, Malala explored the implications of global conflict, climate change, ageing populations, religious tensions and artificial intelligence.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes,” he said, encouraging businesses to prepare for volatility, protect institutions and plan for uncertainty with discipline and foresight.
Sustainability and resilience move up the agenda
Liesl de Wet, Chairperson of the RFA Green Transport Working Group, focused on sustainable and smarter transport businesses, framing sustainability as a resilience issue rather than a compliance exercise.
De Wet warned that fuel volatility, geopolitical instability, climate risk, ESG pressures, customer expectations and technological change are increasingly influencing fleet decisions. “You can’t manage what you don’t measure,” she said.
She encouraged operators to improve measurement and operational efficiency through telematics, smarter route planning, improved driver behaviour, predictive maintenance, efficient loading practices and readiness for alternative fuels.
Labour relations remain under pressure
Magretia Brown-Engelbrecht, Director at ADR Hub, addressed wage negotiations within the road freight and logistics industry, noting that collective bargaining has entered a delicate phase as operators contend with narrow margins, fuel volatility, regulatory change, labour pressure and tensions surrounding foreign drivers. “Collective bargaining is evolving – and so must we,” she said.
Brown-Engelbrecht called for a modernised bargaining framework built around multi-year agreements, inflation and fuel triggers, sector flexibility and representivity-based negotiation. She also urged employers to prepare thoroughly, recognise pressures on both sides and negotiate with purpose.
Industry participation remains essential
Closing the convention, the RFA called on members to remain connected, informed and actively involved in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
The Association also thanked its many sponsors, members and industry partners for their support in making the 2026 Convention a success.
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