Vaal University of Technology hosted its annual Logistics Student Conference on 21 Aug 2025, exploring “Local to Global Logistics. The Digital Way.”
25 August 2025 | Story By: Vince Twala | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
2 minutes read time.
On 21 August 2025, the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Logistics and Supply Chain Management Department hosted its annual Logistics Student Conference at the Vanderbijlpark campus. Guided by the theme “Local to Global Logistics: The Digital Way”, the event brought together students, academics, and industry leaders to explore how digital innovation is reshaping logistics and supply chain management across both local and global contexts.
The conference served as a dynamic platform for students to engage with experts, gain practical insights, and showcase innovative ideas. Key discussions highlighted themes such as digital transformation in logistics, sustainable supply chain practices, the role of artificial intelligence, and the impact of global trade dynamics on the South African economy.
Dr Mukondeleli Kanakana-Katumba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at VUT, commended the students’ efforts, saying: “Today’s award celebrates students who have truly demonstrated excellence in their academic journey. To our students, I see you, your journey, your resilience, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. You are an inspiration. To our guest speakers and industry partners, thank you for being here. Your presence reminds us that education does not end in the classroom; it is strengthened through collaboration, experience, and knowledge sharing.”
Adding a practical industry perspective, Ms Matsietsi Mekoa, Executive Chair of Brima Logistics, shared her entrepreneurial journey of building the company from the ground up. With a vision of transforming Brima into a logistics unicorn, she emphasised that starting small while thinking big is the key to success: “If you want to start in this industry, start small but think big. Logistics is about solving problems and moving goods from one point to another most efficiently. You don’t need to own a fleet of trucks from day one; you can begin by partnering, outsourcing, or even managing logistics digitally. The most important thing is understanding the value chain, identifying gaps, and offering something different.”
The conference’s theme underscored the growing influence of technology in logistics, from artificial intelligence and automation to blockchain, big data and e-commerce solutions. These tools, it was noted, are building smarter, faster and more resilient supply chains that can compete globally while addressing South Africa’s unique challenges. The event’s success reaffirmed VUT’s position as a hub of knowledge, research, and innovation in logistics and supply chain management. By addressing local challenges while embracing global opportunities, the university continues to prepare its students as future-ready leaders who will drive digital transformation across the logistics landscape.