Barloworld celebrates decade in logistics

This week Barloworld Logistics celebrates its 10th anniversary across its international offices. The company is part of a 109 year old South African conglomerate, Barloworld. Over the past decade it has acquired several regional logistics leaders in the Middle East, Far East, Europe and Southern Africa to offer smart supply chain solutions to brands. Read more >>

Emirates' A380s now flying to South Africa

Emirates airline's first scheduled A380 has recently arrived at O R Tambo International Airport, heralding the start of its service between Dubai and South Africa. The "Super Jumbo" was welcomed by a water cannon salute as South Africa became its 16th destination on Emirates' global network. Read more >>

Passenger sales fall, freight sector depressed

International air travel increased by 4,5% in August compared with the same month last year according to the International Air Transport Association, which warned that while monthly sales were up, the overall trend in the airline industry showed that sales were down by 6% in July, indicating a significant slowing. Read more >>

Labour and logistics put a damper on SA's auto competitiveness

Global cost competitiveness affecting South Africa's automotive industry remains problematic for the local industry, especially in terms of labour and logistics, said National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) president and Volkswagen Group South Africa MD David Powels. Read more >>

Strike at container terminal halts shipping

A strike at Pier One at Durban's container terminal has halted all movements at the port and the strike is likely to hamper shipping movements for several days. The Mercury reports that some shipping companies have already diverted their ships to other ports around the South African coast. Read more >>

Stakeholders pledge $11b for regional road corridors

Stakeholders, including development partners and the private sector in the three African regional economic communities - the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), COMESA and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have committed to an $11.2b investment in order to improve the infrastructure and trade facilitation through some of Africa's trade corridors. Read more >>

Further supply chain investment for Bidvest

A proposed amalgamation of Bidvest-owned Safcor Panalpina and Rennies Distribution Services (RDS), scheduled to take place on 1 December 2011 (subject to the necessary approvals) will create a combined entity with an impressive global service offering, says the new company's MD James Reddy. Read more >>

Fabian joins The Foschini Group

Leading retailer group TFG (The Foschini Group) has bought niche luxury menswear brand Fabiani, effective from 1 October 2011. Established in 1978 by Arie Fabian and renowned for the exceptional cut of its suits, highest quality fabric and powerful design details, it expanded its offer to include casual clothing, shoes and fashion accessories and is considered one of the leaders in the luxury menswear market. Fabian will join the group as the brand director. Read more >>

Mixed bag competing for SA Car of the Year

[Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] A mixed bag of 10 French, Italian, German and Korean vehicles have made it through to the finals for the 2012 South African Car of the Year competition. The finalists were determined in a vote by the full members and a jury made up of 30 selected members of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ). Read more >>

Marketing lessons from Steve Jobs

[Chris Moerdyk: @chrismoerdyk] Look closely at the marketing strategies used by Steve Jobs and other visionaries and the first thing that comes to mind is the realisation that marketing is not a democratic process and that those who are really successful at it are, yes, visionaries. Read more >>

Bok tragedy!

[Corné Krige] I am only 36 years old, but one of the many valuable lessons I have learned is that life isn't fair. Sometimes you get things when you don't deserve them and other times when you absolutely deserve it then you don't get it. This was the case on Sunday morning when the Springboks played Australia in Wellington, New Zealand. Read more >>