Boost for women in logistics, transport and supply chain

Boost for women in logistics,

transport and supply chain

International logistics and transport professional body, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa (CILTSA) celebrated another milestone with the recent graduation of its second Candidacy Programme for women, funded by the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA). Thirteen women graduated with the International Diploma in Logistics and Transport and the prestigious, globally-recognised “MILT” designation.

“The CILTSA Candidacy programme offers our graduates the opportunity to not only gain an internationally-recognised qualification, but also achieve a portable designation that elevates their standing in the logistics, transport and supply chain industries,” explained Elvin Harris CMILT, President of CILTSA. “Our designations are recognised in the over 40 countries in which CILT operates – and are a differentiator for transport, logistics and supply chain professionals as the drive to professionalise our industry intensifies.”

Women representation in the sector

Commenting on the partnership between CILTSA and TETA, Kgatile Nkala, Executive Manager: Corporate Services Unit at TETA, called on CILTSA and the broader transport industry to expand opportunities to leverage transformation in the sector and expedite the transitioning of women into credible positions in logistics, transport and supply chain.

Nkala highlighted the Quarter One: 2022 Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which indicated that more men were employed in the transport sector, and there was a higher quarter-to-quarter change amongst female employees (7,4%), but a quarter-to-quarter decrease in male employees (-0,4%). Moreover, while the figures showed a higher year-on-year increase in the number of male employees (33 000), the percentage of the year-on-year increase in female employees (16,6%) was far higher than that of male employees (4,4%).

“This shows that the transport sector has been making a concerted effort to employ more women each quarter, as well as annually,” said Nkala.

Structured learning pathways

The year-long Candidacy Programme funded by TETA, included both theoretical and workplace experience. The Programme was implemented by CILT-accredited training provider Commerce Edge.

International Education Strategy and Business Development Lead for CILT International, Jon Harris FCILT, added that women who choose transport, logistics or supply chain as a profession could use CILT’s programmes to further make themselves competent to take them to any level in these industries. 