Logistics Students’ Conference 2024: Exploring the Future of Supply Chain Management with AI

Recently, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA) hosted the Logistics Students’ Conference.  The conference, themed “SCM THE AI WAY!!!”, provided a platform for staff and students in logistics, and industry professionals to explore the integration of artificial intelligence in supply chain management.

In his welcoming address, Professor Chengedzai Mafini, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, expressed his passion for Supply Chain and Logistics Management, reflecting on his journey from being a lecturer in the field. He emphasized his connection with the students, stating, “I believe the world of tomorrow belongs to Logistics and Supply Chain Management. In the employment landscape, there is a shift; now, Chief Executive Officers and others in managerial positions understand logistics and supply chain. There are also great opportunities to start businesses within the area of Supply Chain Management.”

One of the conference speakers, Mr. Lerato Mpholo, a fleet management consultant at Bokgwari Group, shared his experiences with the students, encouraging them to develop a culture of continuous learning and to take positives from all experiences. He emphasized, “Creating networks in the industry is of great importance. Know what you are good at, look for opportunities to be a force to be reckoned with in the industry, and cultivate a habit of reading about things happening in the industry,” he said. He also emphasised that the industry is huge with immense opportunities, as he encouraged students to identify their weaknesses and overcome them. “It doesn’t matter where you come from; you can be anything you want to be,” underscoring the importance of starting from the bottom and growing within a company.

Another speaker who took to the podium was Mr. Elvin Harris’s, President of CILTSA  to reflect the importance of education and self-development in the logistics and supply chain discipline, highlighting that there is significant growth in the field for career-oriented and dedicated professionals. He also discussed new developments and trends in the railway industry, noting that the President of the Southern African Railways Association (SARA), Hishaam Emeran, has called for the African continent to harness the potential of rail to grow the economy and create jobs. Additionally, Harris mentioned the strategic collaboration between CILT, VUT, and other multinationals globally, as well as expanding opportunities at Transnet due to the ongoing expansion of its railway infrastructure across South Africa.

Mr. Ronald Mlalazi, stressed the importance of consistency, innovation, and self-development. He highlighted the need for professionals to adapt to technological advancements, warning that those who do not adapt risk becoming obsolete. He encouraged the audience to change their mindset, strive for competitive advantage, and always be willing to learn and grow. “With the level at which technology is going, you adapt, or you cease to exist,” he stated.

Also, Ms. Shevon Kotiah, highly experienced supply chain professional, focused on the significance of vision, mentorship, and psychological intelligence in personal and professional growth. She urged students to set clear visions and goals, emphasizing that “people without a vision perish.” She also discussed the importance of personalizing one’s CV to job specifications, especially given the advanced use of artificial intelligence in the recruitment process and recommended taking up online psychometric tests like SHL to challenge one’s psychological intelligence.

The conference also featured engaging entertainment by the logistics students, a dance challenge, a Q&A session, and the much-anticipated Best Achievers Awards. The awards recognized the top performers in each year group for 2023:

1st Year Top Performers:

Ms. MJ Makhetha

Ms. FP Mathebula

Ms. KL Mokgokolo

2nd Year Top Performers:

Mr. LG Mathiba

Ms. B Ngema

Ms. MM Lelaka

3rd Year Top Performers:

Mr. MC Vicente

Ms. M Mapitiza

Ms. TB Kooste

Overall, the Logistics Students’ Conference 2024 was a resounding success, providing invaluable insights into the future of supply chain management and inspiring the next generation of logistics professionals to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The conference comes shortly after VUT and CILTSA formalised their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).