How the logistics industry is unlocking youth employment opportunities in SA

IOL News

a day ago

With South Africa's youth unemployment rate sitting at a staggering 62.4%, finding sustainable job opportunities for young people has become an urgent national priority. While many sectors are stagnating, logistics is booming – fueled by the rise of e-commerce, digital innovation and global trade – creating a new wave of career paths.
Transnet plays a central role in the South African economy and the government's goal of inclusive growth.
'From supply chain analytics and IT systems integration to customer experience and compliance, logistics is evolving into a dynamic, tech-enabled industry that offers diverse professional avenues for South Africa's youth,' said Gregory Saffy, managing director for Sub-Saharan African Operations at FedEx.
While traditional roles like drivers, packers and sorters will always be essential, they are increasingly supported by technology-driven processes. This shift creates additional opportunities for young people looking for more technology focused roles.
'Logistics isn't what it used to be. The real competitive advantage now lies in digital capability, especially in areas like data analytics and systems thinking. We're seeing more engineers and analysts in the business than ever before, guiding operations and enabling automation at scale,' said Saffy.
Beyond data analytics and IT roles, compliance and customs clearance are also emerging as key growth areas for job creation. Saffy highlights the development of a formalised customs qualification as a major step forward for the industry.
'We're seeing progress in the creation of a national customs clearance certification that will give individuals a recognised qualification, including those with practical experience but no matric pass. This will create a clear career path and raise the overall standard of compliance across the industry,' he added.
FedEx is already enrolling its customs clerks into newly developed courses in freight forwarding and customs compliance. In addition to formalising technical knowledge, these programmes also focus on future-ready skills like digital literacy, data analysis and critical thinking.
For young people without access to formal education, FedEx offers a clear entry point through its Yes Learnerships.
'Our 12-month programme combines training, mentoring and practical work experience,' said Saffy. 'Since 2019, we've onboarded more than 150 unemployed youth through YES, with more than 60 going on to become permanent employees. It's a powerful model for bridging the gap between education and employment.'
In parallel, FedEx runs a dedicated learnership programme for youth living with disabilities, offering an NQF Level 4 certificate in business administration. This includes coaching, blended learning and real-world operational experience – helping to build inclusive, work-ready skills pipelines.
FedEx commitment to building inclusive talent pipelines is a powerful example of how private sector investment in skills development can help unlock opportunities and start turning the tide on youth unemployment.
'Logistics is a gateway to global trade. It's no longer just about moving parcels; it's about managing complexity in a fast-paced, tech-driven environment. With the right support and training, South Africa's youth can thrive in this space,' Saffy concluded.