If South African logistics firms hope to compete in both the local and global market, they need to embrace compliance, not only in terms of laws and regulations but also social aspects that impact the world around us. What is important to understand is that compliance is not only the responsibility of a company’s compliance officer but of every single person within the organisation.
How and why logistics companies, using compliance, can play a role in building the heart and soul of our nation.
Our logistics sector is bound by numerous regulations, and with very good reason. Accidents and incidents that occur can be highly detrimental to a business. In 2022, for example, a South African online retail company made headlines for all the wrong reasons after being found in contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, with general safety regulations and hazardous chemical agent regulations violated at its Gauteng warehouse.
On the transport side, there have been several major truck accidents on the N3 corridor resulting in the loss of life. In one case, the vehicle was found to be unroadworthy while in another it was established that the driver had been on duty beyond the specified number of driving hours.
Companies that fail to comply with regulations accordingly find themselves facing a significant threat of heavy fines, reputational damage or, in some cases, jail time for owners and directors.
In recent years, the need for logistics firms to comply with environmental legislation and regulations has grown exponentially to policies to reduce the planet’s carbon footprint. From January 2024, companies falling within the European Union will be taxed heavily if they fail to reduce their carbon emissions. These laws will impact South Africa in that the country’s motor industry, which exports thousands of vehicles to the EU each year, will need to select supply chain partners that are fully compliant.
Not adhering to environmental regulations in Europe can directly impact the country’s vehicle manufacturers and by extension, the jobs they can offer South Africans. Figures from the South African Association of Freight Forwarders show for the week ending 20 October, 14% fewer vehicle units were exported than in the corresponding period last year, further illustrating that the sector cannot afford non-compliant partners.
Then of course there is being compliant with South Africa’s laws & policies, including employment equity, BEE and addressing the divide between rich and poor – highly complex social aspects that also require high levels of compliance. South Africa’s governance record is also not the best given what transpired during the state capture years, so a company will not be doing the country any favours if it’s pursuing corrupt relationships.
There are several aspects companies need to consider when it comes to compliance such as the area they are operating in. Where hazardous materials are being stored, for example, there needs to be an understanding of the regulations, certifications and permits that need to be in place and a checklist to ensure every box is being ticked.
Laws and policies may also change, which is why it is crucial for logistics firms to closely monitor government gazettes. Firms would also do well to bolster their compliance efforts by implementing standards under the International Organisation for Standardisation. Regular auditing ensures compliance which in turn assures clients that the business is above board in its operations.
