For Lebogang Annah Moabelo, a career in logistics was not part of the original plan. After initially studying BCom Economics and Econometrics, a conversation with a friend studying logistics introduced her to an industry that ultimately changed the direction of her career.
Source: Supplied | Lebogang Annah Moabelo, Manager: Transport and Logistics, Dube Air Road, Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone
Today, Moabelo is Manager: Transport and logistics at Dube Air Road, the road logistics division of Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone, where she oversees freight operations, regulatory compliance, risk management, business development and supply chain efficiency.
Her career has included roles at BSI Steel, Barloworld Logistics, Santova Logistics and Solenta Aviation, giving her experience across logistics, freight and aviation.
Alongside her professional progression, Moabelo has continued to invest in education, holding a BCom in Logistics Management, a National Diploma in Supply Chain and Logistics Management and a BCom Honours in Logistics Management.
For Women's Month, Bizcommunity caught up with Moabelo about navigating traditionally male-dominated industries, the role education has played in her career, opportunities for women in the future of logistics and the legacy she hopes today's women leaders will leave behind.
You have progressed from internships in logistics to leading Dube Air Road. What first inspired you to pursue a career in logistics, and what has kept you passionate about the industry?
Honestly, pursuing a career in logistics wasn't my first choice. I initially started studying BCom Economics and Econometrics at university and, in my second year, I met a now very close friend of mine who was studying logistics. The way she spoke about the degree fascinated me and kept me asking more questions. I was attracted by the industry's dynamism and the central role it plays in the global supply chain, and that is when I discovered my passion for logistics and changed my degree.
What has kept me passionate about logistics comes from the thrill of solving complex puzzles, keeping global trade moving and turning chaotic supply chain challenges into smooth, on-time deliveries. It is a field where every day brings new tests.
Transport, logistics and aviation have traditionally been male-dominated industries. What challenges have you faced as a woman in the sector, and how have those experiences shaped the leader you are today?
My experience has been shaped by both challenges and opportunities. Initially, navigating gender dynamics required a blend of assertiveness and diplomacy to build credibility and gain the respect of peers. I often dealt with people who undermined my capabilities and consistently challenged my decisions or my level of education and experience. I often had to prove my capabilities twice over.
My experience has shaped a leader who understands that success is built on teamwork and consistency. I am a leader who has learned to stay curious, be a sponge and to never stop asking questions, as you can never be too educated to learn from anyone around you. Your gender or your level does not define the type of leader you are; everyone deserves the Ubuntu we all so highly speak of.
As Manager: Transport and Logistics at Dube Air Road, what are your key priorities, and how are you strengthening freight operations and last-mile logistics?
As a Manager in Transport and Logistics at Dube Air Road, my key priority is to build a freight operation that is reliable, agile and customer-focused, while keeping safety, compliance and cost efficiency at the centre of everything we do.
At Dube Air Road, we are strategically positioned within an ecosystem that connects air, road and other logistics networks, so our role is to make connections work seamlessly. Dube TradePort itself describes its model as an aerotropolis linking air, road and rail for integrated logistics.
I'm focused on improving visibility and control across the movement of cargo from collection to final delivery. That means using real-time tracking, data and performance dashboards to identify bottlenecks, improve turnaround times and make better decisions. It also means strengthening relationships with carriers, freight forwarders, customers and other supply chain partners so we operate as one connected network rather than separate functions.
Last-mile logistics is particularly important because it is where the customer ultimately experiences the supply chain. We are therefore looking at better route planning, delivery scheduling, vehicle utilisation, alignment of vehicles to operations, proof-of-delivery technology and proactive communication with customers. The objective is not simply to move freight faster but to make deliveries more predictable, transparent and cost-efficient.
Another priority is resilience. South African freight is heavily dependent on road networks, while Durban's position gives us the opportunity to strengthen connections between air, road and port logistics. We need contingency planning as a department, alternative routing and stronger data visibility so that disruptions don't automatically become customer failures.
Finally, I see people development as fundamental. Technology can improve logistics, but skilled people drive the technology. I want to develop a team that understands data, embraces digitalisation and continuously looks for ways to improve processes. A team that is determined to see Dube Air Road at the centre of long-haul transport in the near future.
Ultimately, my goal is to create a freight operation that is more connected, technology-enabled and responsive, one that supports both the growth of businesses in KZN and the wider regional economy.
Continuous learning has been a defining part of your career, from earning qualifications in logistics and supply chain management to completing your BCom Honours. Why has investing in your education been so important to you, and how has it influenced your career?
There are two reasons why investing in my education has been so important to me:
1.My late father unfortunately passed on the day he received his doctorate in a fatal accident. On that day, at the age of 17, I made a promise to myself and to him that I will fulfil his dream and be the one that celebrates the milestone that he was not given the opportunity to celebrate. Education is a legacy I have inherited.
2. I had my daughter at a very young age and, being a young single parent, I always told myself that education is the only key to success, so I do everything in my power to ensure that my daughter can see that being a single parent is not the end of the world, that with resilience, hard work and motivation, you are more than capable to dominate and conquer in any industry.
These two reasons have influenced my career by always reminding me to remember why I started and what I want to achieve. They keep me grounded. I always tell my friends, “Ngwanyana waka skolo se bohlokwa” (vernac meaning education is important).
The logistics industry is evolving through digitalisation, automation and changing global supply chains. What opportunities do you see for women to help shape the future of the sector?
Women have major chances to lead and change the logistics industry as it grows through new technology and digital tools. Women can lead projects in data analysis, software use and smart tracking systems. There are growing opportunities in robotics, autonomous vehicles, warehouse automation, systems engineering and technology management.
Ultimately, the opportunity is not simply for women to participate in logistics but to lead its transformation. A more diverse leadership base can help create a logistics sector that is smarter, more innovative, resilient and sustainable.
Looking back on your career, what achievement or milestone are you most proud of, and why does it stand out to you?
One of my career milestones I'm most proud of was my experience as a Freight & Logistics Manager at Solenta Aviation. As a young black girl from Polokwane, I had never thought I would be a manager at such a tender age. I had to manage complex freight and logistics operations in an aviation environment where safety, time, accuracy and reliability are critical.
I'm particularly proud of the way I was able to coordinate different stakeholders, manage freight movements efficiently and ensure operational requirements were met without compromising on service or compliance. Working in aviation has taught me the importance of planning ahead, responding quickly to disruptions and making decisions based on both operational priorities and customer requirements.
The experience also strengthened my leadership skills. I learned that successful logistics is not only about moving cargo from one point to another, but also about building a reliable system, developing people, managing relationships and continuously looking for ways to improve efficiency.
That milestone stands out because it shaped the way I approach transport and logistics today. It gave me a strong foundation in freight operations and prepared me to take on broader responsibilities, particularly around integrating technology, improving visibility, strengthening last-mile delivery and building more resilient supply chains.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering careers in transport, logistics or aviation?
Learning is a continuous process of self-improvement. Don't hesitate to advocate for your ideas, skills and professional advancement. Try to build a strong network, seek mentors and role models early in your career, as the logistics industry is forever changing and a fast-paced environment; you will need someone in your corner when the unexpected obstacles arrive.
As South Africa marks Women's Month, what does this occasion mean to you personally, and what legacy would you like today's women leaders to leave for the next generation?
Women's Month to me honours the resistance and leadership of women and the ongoing pursuit of equality and recognition. For me, Women's Month is both a celebration and a reminder of the responsibility we carry as women leaders. It gives us the opportunity to recognise the courage and sacrifices of the women who came before us, while also reflecting on what we are doing to create opportunities for those coming after us.
As a woman, working in the transport and logistics sector, an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated, I see Women's Month as a reminder that we belong in every part of the industry, from operational and technical roles to senior management and strategic decision-making.
The legacy I would like today's women leaders to leave is one of possibility. I want the next generations to look at us and say, “Because they went before us, we knew we could.” I would like us to leave behind workplaces that are more inclusive, leadership structures that reflect diversity, and industries where women are valued for their expertise and leadership rather than defined by gender.
Ultimately, I believe our legacy should not simply be about how many positions we achieved but how many people we empowered, how many barriers we removed and how much stronger we made the path for the women who follow us.
