SAAFF - Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders NPC

SAAFF - Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders NPC Founded in 1921, SAAFF NPC represents South Africa’s freight forwarders, advocating for efficiency, compliance, and excellence in international trade.

Learn, connect, and lead with South Africa’s premier supply chain community. With an estimated nine hundred agents operating in the country, it is recognised that an industry voice is imperative. SAAFF liaises closely with many government departments and parastatal institutions, dealing with matters such as customs, port health, trade permits, border controls, export control of perishable products

, cargo handling and security at harbour terminals and airports, plant quality and road freight legislation.

Advancing Africa’s Port and Rail Integration: A Gateway to Future GrowthSAAFF is pleased to announce that its Chief Exec...
07/09/2026

Advancing Africa’s Port and Rail Integration: A Gateway to Future Growth

SAAFF is pleased to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Juanita Maree, will chair the opening session, “Gateway to Growth: Advancing Integrated Ports and Rail Infrastructure,” at Ports & Rail Week 2026 on Wednesday, 25 November.

The high-level pan-African conference brings together leaders from the maritime, rail, infrastructure, policy and logistics sectors to advance the performance, integration and resilience of Africa’s trade corridors.

Dr Maree’s role recognises her industry leadership and SAAFF’s contribution to port reform, rail revitalisation, multimodal integration and practical trade facilitation.

As Africa works to modernise its transport networks, stronger connections between ports, railways, inland terminals and regional markets will be fundamental to greater reliability, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

📅 24–25 November 2026
📍 Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre, Durban
🌐 www.portsrailweek.com

Full Post on SAAFF Website: https://saaff.org.za/dr-juanita-maree-to-chair-gateway-to-growth-session-at-ports-rail-week-2026/

Crossing Lines - The Real Work of Seamless Trade in South Africa PodcastCross-border logistics in Africa presents enormo...
25/08/2026

Crossing Lines - The Real Work of Seamless Trade in South Africa Podcast

Cross-border logistics in Africa presents enormous opportunities for growth, but it also comes with very real challenges.

In Episode 11 of the Unitrans Podcast, “Crossing Lines: The Real World of Seamless Trade in Africa,” SAAFF CEO Juanita Maree joins Hugo Nieuwenhuizen, Unitrans Customs Manager, for a conversation about what seamless regional trade really looks like on the ground.

The discussion explores the opportunities created by stronger cross-border operations, as well as the practical realities that logistics providers and traders continue to face when moving goods across African borders.

It’s an important conversation about the future of trade, the role of efficient customs and border processes, and what it will take to make seamless regional commerce a reality.

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
Website: https://www.unitransafrica.com/podcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nQ3yt3KkQI
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3nL77iCovPd6nEC8c9auHX
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-11-crossing-lines-the-real-work-of/id1772748189?i=1000780044317

Full Post on SAAFF Website: https://saaff.org.za/crossing-lines-the-real-work-of-seamless-trade-in-south-africa-podcast/

SAAFF Annual Benoni Golf Day Prize Giving 🏆The clubs have been packed away, the final scores are in, and it’s time to ce...
20/08/2026

SAAFF Annual Benoni Golf Day Prize Giving 🏆

The clubs have been packed away, the final scores are in, and it’s time to celebrate our winners!

Congratulations to all the teams and players who took part in the SAAFF Annual Benoni Golf Day. A big thank you to everyone who brought their enthusiasm, competitive spirit and camaraderie to the course.

And of course, a special thank you to our sponsors, partners and members for making the day possible and helping us support San Michele.

Congratulations to all our winners! 🏆⛳

Full Post on the SAAFF Website: https://saaff.org.za/saaff-annual-benoni-golf-day-event/

Turning Legislative Change into Operational ReadinessChanges to customs legislation do not remain on the pages of an Act...
19/08/2026

Turning Legislative Change into Operational Readiness

Changes to customs legislation do not remain on the pages of an Act. They move directly into systems, declarations, controls, costs, risk—and the movement of goods across the supply chain.

With the Draft Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill, 2026 currently open for comment, SAAFF recognised a material opportunity for industry to help shape reform before the proposed amendments move into implementation.

As the premier representative body for the freight forwarding industry, SAAFF convened a focused member workshop to examine the proposed amendments to the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 against the realities of day-to-day trade operations.

Drawing on members’ practical expertise, the workshop advanced SAAFF’s mission to formulate collective industry strategy and help shape a more conducive operating environment. The engagement enabled SAAFF and its members to develop a well-considered, operationally informed industry position - translating practical implications and concerns into constructive comment and recommendations for submission to legislators.

Key areas examined included:
- The proposed formal introduction of international carnets
- Simplified procedures for qualifying temporary imports and exports
- Timeframes governing carbon tax refunds
- Proposed changes affecting the rebate-of-duty environment
- The implications for systems, controls, documentation, cash flow and client value chains

The central question was not only, “What does the amendment say?” but, more importantly:

“What will this mean when industry has to implement it?”

SAAFF’s role extends beyond communicating legislative developments. It creates the platforms through which members can interrogate, interpret and prepare for change—while ensuring that industry’s collective operational experience informs legislative and regulatory decision-making.

In reality, customs legislation is, in practice, supply-chain legislation.

From policy to practice. From compliance to facilitation. From facilitation to competitive trade.

Full Post on SAAFF Website: https://saaff.org.za/turning-legislative-change-to-operational-readiness/

The teams are out on the course and the competition is heating up! ⛳From tee-offs and team photos to sponsor activations...
19/08/2026

The teams are out on the course and the competition is heating up! ⛳

From tee-offs and team photos to sponsor activations and plenty of camaraderie, there's a lot happening across Benoni Country Club today.

It's great to see members, partners and colleagues from across the industry coming together, connecting and enjoying the day.

Full Post on the SAAFF Website: https://saaff.org.za/saaff-annual-benoni-golf-day-event/

Here's another look at what's happening out on the course.

The action is well underway at Benoni Country Club today, with teams, sponsors and industry colleagues coming together f...
19/08/2026

The action is well underway at Benoni Country Club today, with teams, sponsors and industry colleagues coming together for a fantastic day on the course. ⛳

There's a great atmosphere out there, with plenty of networking, team spirit and a healthy dose of competition.

A big thank you to our sponsors and partners for helping make today possible, and to everyone taking part.

We're also proud to be supporting San Michele, helping make a meaningful difference to the lives of intellectually and physically disabled adults.

More moments from the day below.

Full Post on the SAAFF Website: https://saaff.org.za/saaff-annual-benoni-golf-day-event/

SAAFF Annual Benoni Golf Day EventToday’s the day! Welcome to a fully booked SAAFF Annual Golf Day, with more than 40 te...
19/08/2026

SAAFF Annual Benoni Golf Day Event

Today’s the day!

Welcome to a fully booked SAAFF Annual Golf Day, with more than 40 teams joining us for a day of golf, networking and giving back with SAAFF.

A sincere thank you to our sponsors and partners for their support, and to all our members for making today possible.

This year, we’re proud to support San Michele, helping make a meaningful difference to the lives of intellectually and physically disabled adults.

Here’s to a fantastic day on the course, great connections, strong partnerships and giving back to a worthy cause.

Enjoy the day and stay tuned as we bring you updates and highlights from the day.

Full post on the SAAFF Website: https://saaff.org.za/saaff-annual-benoni-golf-day-event/

SAAFF Recognises FIATA Young Logistics Professional Award 2026 South Africa Winner and Champions a Unified Approach to B...
17/08/2026

SAAFF Recognises FIATA Young Logistics Professional Award 2026 South Africa Winner and Champions a Unified Approach to Building the Industry Leadership of the Future

Congratulations to Sinazo Nogwebela, winner of the FIATA Young Logistics Professional (YLP) Award 2026 South Africa.

Sinazo’s outstanding research demonstrates how professional excellence, integrated logistics and strong compliance can strengthen trade, industrial competitiveness and economic resilience.

Her winning dissertation, “A Strategic Analysis of International Trade Corridors: Pig Iron Exports and Fertiliser Imports as Drivers of National, Industrial and Food Security,” highlights the strategic role of freight forwarding in supporting international trade, resilient supply chains and economic development.

In recognition of her achievement, SAAFF and Global Maritime Legal Solutions (GMLS) will co-sponsor Sinazo’s FIATA Higher Diploma in Supply Chain Management, supporting her continued professional development and leadership journey.

Sinazo’s achievement is a powerful reminder of the young talent emerging across our industry. SAAFF is calling for a unified industry commitment to developing the next generation of freight and logistics leaders, through mentorship, professional education, career opportunities and collaboration.

Together, we can build the leadership, capability and expertise needed to shape the future of freight and logistics in South Africa.

Photo Caption:
l to r: Elwyn Pitt (GMLSe), Riana Greyling (C.Steinweg Bridge), Lerato Mapheto (SAAFF), Elandre Uys (C.Steinweg Bridge), FIATA YLP 2026 South Africa Winner: Sinazo Nogwebela (C.Steinweg Bridge), Ammie Holmes (C.Steinweg Bridge), Dr Juanita Maree (SAAFF), Charles Dey (Coach) and Louis Marx (C.Steinweg Bridge).

Full Press Release: https://saaff.org.za/saaff-recognises-fiata-young-logistics-professional-award-2026/

In Memoriam: Mr Garry Marshall - A Gentle Giant Of Our IndustrySAAFF mourns the passing of Mr Garry Marshall – a dear fr...
13/08/2026

In Memoriam: Mr Garry Marshall - A Gentle Giant Of Our Industry

SAAFF mourns the passing of Mr Garry Marshall – a dear friend, a man of great integrity and an outstanding leader of South Africa’s supply chain, freight forwarding and logistics industry.

Throughout an illustrious career, Garry served our industry with distinction, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to its advancement. His leadership, generosity of spirit and ability to bring people together earned him the respect and affection of colleagues and friends across the profession.

A true gentle giant, Garry leaves an indelible legacy in the industry he served so faithfully and in the lives of the many people privileged to have known and worked alongside him.

SAAFF honours his life, his friendship and his exceptional contribution to our industry. His legacy will endure.

SAAFF Honours Fiata Young Logistics Professional Award 2026 WinnerSAAFF congratulates Sinazo Nogwebela, Key Account Cons...
12/08/2026

SAAFF Honours Fiata Young Logistics Professional Award 2026 Winner

SAAFF congratulates Sinazo Nogwebela, Key Account Consultant | Imports and Exports - Ocean at C. Steinweg Bridge, on being named South Africa’s FIATA Young Logistics Professional (YLP) Award 2026 winner.

Sinazo’s highly commended submission demonstrated how professional excellence, integrated logistics and strong compliance can strengthen trade, industrial competitiveness and economic resilience.

Her award-winning dissertation, “A Strategic Analysis of International Trade Corridors: Pig Iron Export and Fertiliser Imports as Drivers of National, Industrial and Food Security”, examines the strategic role of freight forwarding in facilitating international trade and strengthening economic resilience.

The achievement also highlights the importance of investing in the next generation of freight and logistics professionals.

In recognition of Sinazo’s achievement, SAAFF and Global Maritime Legal Solutions (GMLS) will co-sponsor her FIATA Higher Diploma in Supply Chain Management, supporting her continued professional development and leadership capacity within the industry.

SAAFF CEO Dr Juanita Maree says the industry needs a stronger, integrated and well-coordinated approach to developing future leaders, bringing together employers, professional bodies, education providers and experienced practitioners.

“Sinazo’s work highlights the strategic role of freight forwarders in connecting markets, navigating complex regulatory environments and building supply chains capable of withstanding disruption.

”SAAFF calls on the industry to unite behind leadership development and promote participation in the FIATA YLP programme as a platform for recognising excellence, encouraging professional development and preparing young practitioners to lead an increasingly complex and technology-driven freight and logistics environment.

Congratulations, Sinazo, on this outstanding achievement.

Read the full press release on the SAAFF Website: https://saaff.org.za/saaff-honours-fiata-young-logistics.../

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Highway Gardens Office Park, 71 Minuach Rd
Edenvale
1609

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+27114551726

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