The CILTSA said in a statement that the 5th CILTSA ESG Conference will bring together industry leaders to share practical strategies for implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles across the transport and supply chain sectors.
Rather than focusing on theory, the event will provide attendees with practical solutions, financing options, and skills development strategies that can be applied in their day-to-day operations.
The programme will be led by Transnet Chairperson Dr Andile Sangqu, who will deliver a keynote address titled ‘The ESG Greenprint in Action: Integrating Capital, Capability, and Commitment’.
Drawing on his experience in governance, infrastructure investment, and sustainable development, Sangqu is expected to explore how organisations can move beyond ESG commitments and translate them into measurable action.
ESG is becoming a business necessity
According to CILTSA President Elvin Harris, sustainability is no longer simply about compliance or corporate responsibility.
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly ahead of the conference, Harris said ESG has evolved into a key business consideration that influences competitiveness and long-term success.
“Our industry has reached a stage where ESG is no longer optional but an important driver of business strategy. By bringing together experts from across the sector, we want to equip logistics and supply chain professionals with the knowledge and confidence to put these principles into practice and lead meaningful change,” he said.
The conference programme features case studies and practical applications. One session will examine how ESG principles can be integrated throughout a complex retail supply chain to strengthen resilience and support long-term growth.
Celestin Ndhlovu, executive vice president for corporate services at Isuzu Motors South Africa, will discuss how advances in vehicle technology can contribute to cleaner, more efficient transport systems, while also creating commercial opportunities for businesses.
Fleet management specialist Ctrack will demonstrate how data-driven technology can help companies improve operational efficiency and reduce their environmental footprints.
In another session, Michelle van den Berg, head of Takealot Delivery Team (TDT) Projects at Takealot Fulfilment Solutions, will share insights into how the company is incorporating electric vehicles and solar energy into its last-mile delivery network as it moves towards a more sustainable logistics model.
Unlocking funding for ESG projects
Recognising that many businesses struggle to finance sustainability initiatives, the conference will include a dedicated funding panel exploring ways to secure capital for ESG-related projects.
The discussion will be moderated by Lauren Rota, senior director for sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa at DP World, and will feature representatives from the Industrial Development Corporation, Bernard Vilakazi, senior specialist for transport and logistics at Absa, Sashen Singh, senior manager for sustainability at Nedbank, and Siloshini Naidoo, head of sustainability at the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
The panel will outline available financing mechanisms and provide practical guidance on accessing funding for sustainability programmes.
Closing the skills gap
Attention will also turn to one of the sector’s biggest challenges: developing the skills needed to successfully implement ESG strategies.
A panel moderated by Liesl de Wet, head of accelerated organisational sustainability at Unitrans and a member of the Road Freight Association’s Green Transport Working Group, will examine the talent shortages that the sector faces.
Joining the discussion will be transport and supply chain management Professor Rose Luke from the University of Johannesburg; Transport Education Training Authority CEO Maphefo Ano-Frempong; Chantal Harding, managing director and founder of People Shop; Aimee Girdwood, co-founder of Stories Evolved; and Sandile Khoza, CILTSA council member and chairperson of the eThekwini Maritime Cluster.
The conference will wrap up with a case study exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion as a business performance measure, presented by Samuel Chakela, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at DSV – Global Transport and Logistics, and Nicci Scott-Anderson, founder and CEO of the SaferStops Association.
For more information, email [email protected], phone 082 673 9697 or 087 133 0525, or visit ciltsa.events/5th-ciltsa-esg-conference.
