Producing graduates with the right skills, practical experience and problem-solving abilities are key concerns for the freight-handling sector, says Shantal Marajah, Executive Officer Freight Handling Chamber of the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA).
Please describe your career journey that has brought you to your current position as EO of Freight Handling at the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA)?
I began my career at TETA in 2001 within the Forwarding and Clearing Chamber, where my primary responsibilities focused on stakeholder support and the administration of Skills Development Grant processes.
In 2007, I took on the role of ETQA Practitioner, which exposed me to a different and equally important dimension of skills development. My responsibilities centred on the accreditation of skills development providers and related quality-assurance functions. This experience broadened my understanding of the education and training landscape and provided me with a deeper appreciation of the importance of quality in skills-development delivery.
Having had the opportunity to work across diverse functions within a SETA environment afforded me a comprehensive understanding of the skills-development value chain. This depth of experience ultimately positioned me to take on the leadership role of Executive Officer of the Freight Handling Chamber.
Was there anything that inspired you to take the path that you have taken?
Throughout my schooling years, I always knew that I wanted to study Business Management. I have immense respect for entrepreneurs and business leaders who have the vision, courage and determination to establish and grow successful businesses.
This interest in business provided the foundation for my academic and professional journey. While I did not initially set out to pursue a career in transport and logistics, I was drawn to the skills-development environment because it offered an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to both individuals and industry.
What inspired me throughout my career is seeing the tangible impact that skills development has on people’s lives. Whether it is a learner achieving a qualification, a young person securing employment through a learnership or an organisation strengthening its skills base, it is incredibly rewarding to know that the work TETA does creates opportunities and contributes to a capable workforce which plays a critical role in driving economic growth.
What advice would you give to young women today preparing for (or thinking about) a career in transport or logistics?
For young women entering transport and logistics today, the future is full of possibilities. This is an industry that keeps economies moving, supports global trade and embraces innovation. My advice would be:
- Believe there is a place for you. Transport and logistics offer far more than driving trucks or working in warehouses. Today’s industry needs professionals in supply-chain management, logistics planning, digital logistics, procurement, data analytics, freight forwarding, customs administration, operations management, engineering and executive leadership.
- Focus on continuous learning. The industry is constantly evolving. Pursue relevant qualifications, short courses, certifications and workplace training opportunities.
- Develop leadership and communication skills. Success in logistics requires collaboration with suppliers, customers, transport operators, regulators and colleagues. Strong communication, problem-solving and leadership abilities can help young women progress from operational roles into management positions.
- Build a professional network. Networking is an important part of career growth. Join industry associations, attend logistics conferences, connect with mentors and seek advice from women already working in the sector.
How important was mentoring in your career?
Mentorship has played a significant role in my professional growth and career development. When I was appointed Executive Officer of the Freight Handling Chamber, I benefited greatly from the guidance of a mentor. Stepping into a leadership role brought new responsibilities and challenges and having access to someone with experience and perspective was invaluable.
TETA has supported several initiatives aimed at developing leaders within the transport sector. Programmes such as the International Executive Development Programme for Women (IEDP-W) and International Leadership Development Programme (ILDP) have provided leadership development, networking opportunities, exposure to global best practices and access to experienced leaders and mentors.
What role does freight handling play in the supply-chain-management system and why is it important?
Freight handling is a vital component of South Africa’s supply-chain-management system, serving as the link between producers, distributors, retailers and consumers. It encompasses the movement, loading, unloading, storage and transportation of goods through ports, airports, rail networks and road corridors. The importance of freight handling lies in its ability to ensure that goods move safely, efficiently and cost-effectively across the supply chain.
South Africa’s strategic ports, including Durban, Cape Town and Richards Bay, play a particularly important role in enabling exports and imports. Efficient freight handling at these hubs enhances the country’s competitiveness in global markets, while also supporting regional trade within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
What are the subsectors which a person can be trained in?
Individuals entering the industry can be trained in the following areas of specialisation:
- Road Freight and Transport Operations focuses on the movement of goods by truck and commercial vehicles.
- Warehousing and Distribution prepares individuals to manage the storage, handling and dispatch of goods.
- Port and Terminal Operations is particularly important in South Africa due to the country’s extensive maritime trade.
- Air Freight Operations focuses on movement of cargo by air.
- Rail Freight Logistics involves the transportation of bulk commodities and containerised cargo via rail networks.
- Customs and Freight Forwarding equips individuals with the knowledge required to facilitate international trade.
- Supply Chain and Logistics Management provides broader skills in planning, coordinating and optimising the flow of goods from suppliers to customers.
- Materials Handling and Cargo Operations focuses on the safe movement of goods using specialised equipment such as forklifts, cranes, reach stackers and conveyor systems.
- Cold Chain Logistics is a growing subsector that deals with temperature-sensitive products such as food, pharmaceuticals and agricultural exports.
- Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Materials Handling prepares workers to safely transport and store chemicals, fuels, explosives and other regulated products.
As global trade becomes more complex and technology-driven, many freight-handling programmes now also include training in digital-logistics systems, data analytics, automation and supply-chain technology. These skills are increasingly in demand as South Africa’s logistics industry continues to modernise and expand.
Where are the best opportunities in the current environment for employment for young people?
For young people entering the industry some of the most exciting opportunities lie in digital logistics and supply-chain technology. Companies are seeking employees who can work with warehouse-management systems, transport-management systems, data analytics, GPS tracking platforms and automation technologies.
There is also increasing demand in cold-chain logistics, driven by South Africa’s strong agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors. Exporters of fresh produce, meat and medical products require specialised logistics personnel who understand temperature-controlled transportation and storage.
Is South African logistics on an upward path towards improvement in terms of moving freight from road to rail, port statistics, etc.?
South Africa’s ports are receiving increased attention. Investments in equipment, maintenance and terminal operations have been aimed at reducing congestion and improving turnaround times. Ongoing reforms and capital expenditure at ports are intended to enhance overall performance and restore competitiveness.
A major factor behind this renewed optimism is the government’s Freight Logistics Roadmap, which aims to create a more reliable, cost-effective freight network that supports economic growth and trade. The roadmap seeks to improve cargo handling, vessel turnaround times, equipment availability and overall terminal productivity at South Africa’s ports.
Overall, South Africa’s freight logistics sector appears to be moving in the right direction. While the recovery is still at an early stage, improvements in rail performance, logistics reforms and infrastructure investment provide encouraging signs that the country is gradually rebuilding a more efficient and competitive freight-transport system.
How important are digital skills in the freight handling subsector?
As logistics becomes increasingly technology-driven, employers are looking for people who can combine traditional supply-chain knowledge with digital and analytical capabilities. Digital logistics professionals use technology to track, manage and optimise the movement of goods across the supply chain.
Some of the most important skills include:
- Digital literacy. A strong understanding of computer systems and logistics software is essential.
- Data analysis and problem-solving. Modern logistics generates vast amounts of data. Professionals need the ability to:
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- Interpret logistics and transport data
- Identify trends and bottlenecks
- Use data to improve efficiency
- Support decision-making through reporting and analysis
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- Technology and automation. As warehouses and transport networks become more automated, workers should understand technology and automation in areas such as automated-warehousing equipment, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in logistics.
- Cybersecurity awareness. As supply chains become more connected, protecting data and digital systems is increasingly important. Basic knowledge of cybersecurity practices helps minimise risks associated with digital operations.
What is the scope of your role within TETA?
As Executive Officer of the Freight Handling Chamber at TETA, my role is to provide strategic leadership and oversight to ensure that the skills-development needs of the freight-handling subsector are effectively identified and addressed. A key responsibility is to work closely with industry stakeholders, employers, training providers and government departments, to ensure that training and development interventions remain relevant to industry demands and support economic growth.
What are the short and medium-term goals for your division?
Short to medium-term goals are aligned to the National Skills Development Strategy, the TETA Strategy and industry priorities. The focus is on addressing immediate skills shortages while building long-term sector capability.
Short-term goals:
- Improve stakeholder awareness of funding opportunities and grant regulations.
- Build stronger relationships with employers, industry associations, training providers, TVET colleges, universities and government departments.
- Work closely with industry to craft a Sector Skills Plan that is workplace relevant.
Medium-term goals:
- Partner with industry and academic institutions to introduce innovation-focused training programmes.
- Promote research into future skills requirements for freight handling and supply-chain management.
- Track learner absorption into permanent employment following training interventions.
What are skills audits showing about the connection between what South Africa needs and what colleges are producing?
Skills audits tell us that the challenge is not simply producing more graduates, but producing graduates with the right skills. Many employers believe graduates possess theoretical knowledge but often lack the practical experience, problem-solving abilities and workplace competencies required by industry.
In the logistics sector, the gap is particularly evident in areas such as digital logistics, data analytics, supply-chain planning, freight operations, automation and technology-enabled logistics solutions. As industries modernise, the demand for these skills is growing faster than the supply.
Furthermore, employers are increasingly looking beyond technical competencies to include what are often referred to as “soft” skills, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, critical thinking and problem-solving. These skills are becoming essential in a rapidly changing workplace environment
The encouraging news is that the gap can be addressed. Through better labour-market intelligence, industry-led curriculum development, work-integrated learning and a stronger focus on digital and future skills, South Africa can produce graduates who are not only qualified but also employable and ready to contribute to economic growth.
What are the features of programmes that work best?
Programmes that work best are workplace-based learning interventions which include apprenticeships, internships, learnerships and work-integrated learning.
The strongest skills-development programmes typically share the following characteristics:
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- Employer-led and demand-driven.
- Work-based and practical.
- Integrated with foundational and soft skills.
- Supported by mentoring, coaching and learner support.
Why they work:
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- Participants gain practical experience while learning.
- Skills are developed in real workplace contexts under the guidance of workplace mentors.
- Employers can shape training to actual job requirements through structured learning plans.
By contrast, programmes that are less impactful are those disconnected from labour-market demand and lack employer engagement or learner support. Programmes often fail when curricula are outdated and skills taught are not aligned to employer needs.
Which partnerships have been beneficial?
For the freight-handling sector, some of TETA’s most beneficial partnerships have been those with industry employers, state-owned logistics organisations, higher-education institutions and skills-training providers. These partnerships have helped address skills shortages, improve employability and build technical capacity across ports, warehousing, logistics and supply-chain operations.
TETA’s collaboration with institutions such as Wits Business School has supported leadership and management development across the transport subsector, including freight handling. In 2025, TETA launched an executive-development programme involving managers from the various subsectors.
Results achieved:
- Development of strategic leadership capabilities within freight and logistics organisations.
- Exposure to international best practices that can be applied in South African freight operations.
Website: www.teta.org.za
