By Eamonn Ryan
The GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference held in Cape Town featured a panel discussion focused on citrus export and cold chain logistics. The panel consisted of four prior speakers who fielded questions from an interactive audience, providing insights based on their practical experience in export regulation, logistics and financing of cold chain infrastructure. This is the Q&A of a previously published panel discussion and is part four of a four-part series.
Panel members included:
- Vijan Chetty, general manager, coastal division, PPECB
- Gavin Kelly, CEO, Road Freight Association (RFA)
- Brian Tahinduka, senior manager, natural resources logistics, Standard Bank Group
- Renier du Preez, CEO, Digistics and at the time vice chair, GCCA Africa
The panel concluded by examining the future outlook for South Africa’s cold chain logistics sector, highlighting the dual challenge of maintaining high-quality export standards while adopting more sustainable energy practices. Panellists stressed that while transitioning to electric vehicles and alternative fuels is complex, it also presents opportunities for innovation, operational efficiency and market differentiation.
Stakeholders were urged to focus on immediate “quick wins” such as integrating electric vehicles into short-haul delivery networks. These smaller-scale projects allow operators to reduce emissions and operational costs without disrupting existing systems. Meanwhile, medium- and long-term strategies involve evaluating infrastructure investments, financing models and technological adoption plans to enable the wider deployment of alternative energy in heavy freight.
Tahinduka emphasised the importance of collaboration across industry stakeholders. Banks, logistics companies, and regulators must work together to implement sustainable practices. Standard Bank’s approach to modelling energy alternatives, offering financing and supporting carbon credit trading demonstrates how financial institutions can drive industry-wide decarbonisation.
The discussion also underscored the competitive advantage that sustainability provides. Companies adhering to rigorous cold chain standards, while actively reducing their carbon footprint, are better positioned to compete in global markets such as Europe, where quality assurance and environmental compliance are increasingly linked to trade access.
Panellists noted that the logistics sector faces both challenges and opportunities. The need for infrastructure investment, the high cost of electric vehicles, and gaps in regulatory frameworks are real obstacles. However, innovation in last-mile delivery, research into hydrogen vehicles and emerging financial mechanisms for green projects present pathways to a sustainable, efficient transport ecosystem.
In conclusion, the panel reinforced the importance of long-term planning, investment and adherence to standards. By leveraging financial instruments, technology, and international partnerships, South Africa’s logistics and cold chain industry can remain globally competitive while advancing toward a lower-carbon future. The conversation highlighted a holistic approach: combining quality control, alternative energy adoption and carbon market participation to strengthen both operational performance and environmental responsibility.