The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA) has unveiled an impressive roster of speakers for its Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference 2025, scheduled for 26 September at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg. 

The event, themed "Fuelling Her Rise: Leadership in Motion," will bring together prominent industry leaders to address critical challenges facing women in the logistics, transport and supply chain sectors.

Programme Directors Lead Stellar Lineup

The conference will be guided by two accomplished programme directors: Devlyn Naidoo, Executive for SARS and Other Government Agencies at the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders, and Shevon Kotiah, Demand Manager for Sales and Commercial at Heineken Beverages. 

Their combined expertise reflects the conference's commitment to bridging diverse sector perspectives on women's empowerment across the three sectors.

High-Profile Keynote and Panel Sessions

The conference will open with a keynote presentation by Lyn Chiweshe (MILT), Co-Founder of Parwaringira Enterprises (pvt) Limited, who will deliver the signature "Fuelling Her Rise: Women in Leadership" address. 

This will be followed by Galetlowe Semenya, Founder and Managing Director of Matriarch Professional Association, presenting on "Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Building Confidence and Claiming Your Space in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain."

A highlight of the programme will be the fireside chat panel featuring industry titans Joey Mulaudzi, CEO of the Ports Regulator of South Africa; Maphefo Anno-Frempong, CEO of the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA); Nomsa Mokoena, Managing Director of Faithrich Logistics; Maserati Ramokadi, Analyst, Transport and Logistics at Absa and Garry Marshall, CEO of the SA Express Parcel Association. 

The panel, facilitated by Ignatia Sekonyela, Founder and CEO of Bathudi Technical Training, will provide attendees with direct access to successful women leaders' insights and experiences.

Focus on Professional Development and Digital Transformation

The conference programme emphasises practical skills development through sessions on professional designations and digital transformation. Ingrid du Buisson, CEO of the Institute for Customs and Freight Forwarding; Anno-Frempong; Ronald Mlalazi, CEO of Commerce Edge; and Olive Gumikiriza, General Manager: Harley Reed South Africa, will discuss "Building Your Professional Powerhouse: Designations, Skills, and the Future of Supply Chain."

Recognising the critical role of digital transformation in modern logistics, Glenda Maitin, Founder of BBOpEx will lead a session on "Practical transformation through AI: Leveraging digital tools to improve your business in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain.”The panel includes Diana Nakedi, Head of Non-Financial Risk for Corporate Functions at Liberty Group, Makgola Makololo, Managing Director, Alstom Rolling Stock South Africa and Deborah Patterson, Director/Senior Business Consultant at the Kaizen Institute.

Connecting to Global G20 Initiatives

A particularly timely session will address "Our Role as Women supporting G20 SA: Paving the Way for Financial Inclusion and Leadership." Supply Chain Professional, Regina Naicker, will provide the introduction and overview.

The G20 connection is particularly relevant as South Africa chairs the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group, focusing on the care economy, financial inclusion for women, and ending gender-based violence.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

The Women in Logistics, Transport and Supply Chain Empowerment Conference addresses a critical need in the South African logistics sector, where women face numerous barriers to advancement. 

The event is a strategic initiative to develop the next generation of women leaders in South Africa. With confirmed participation from senior executives across major logistics companies, government agencies, and educational institutions, the conference promises to deliver actionable insights and meaningful connections for attendees at all career stages.

The conference is sponsored by Isuzu, Produkta Trucks, PowerFleet, Tendai Mhlanga Photography, TpSC and BBOpEx.