By Eamonn Ryan
The GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference held in Cape Town featured an engaging 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 three 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
As the panel transitioned from transport capabilities, the discussion turned to broader sustainability and decarbonisation strategies in the cold chain and logistics sector. Tahinduka highlighted the growing importance of emissions reduction, noting that corporate commitments to 2030, 2040 and 2050 targets for scope one, two and three emissions are shaping operational and investment decisions across the industry. Companies must balance efficiency, cost and environmental impact while meeting regulatory and stakeholder expectations.
Panellists explored practical opportunities for integrating electric vehicles into logistics operations. Short-haul and last-mile deliveries have seen successful adoption of electric two- and three-wheeled vehicles, particularly for lighter loads. These small-scale solutions represent “quick wins” for operators aiming to reduce emissions without disrupting existing supply chains. For heavier long-haul loads, diesel remains indispensable due to torque and capacity limitations. The consensus was that technological advancements will eventually expand the scope of electric solutions, but diesel will remain crucial in the short- to medium-term.
Tahinduka also addressed the emerging market for carbon credits, emphasising Standard Bank’s carbon trading platform. This platform connects carbon asset owners with potential offtakers, reflecting a growing global demand for verified long-term carbon credits. “Different assets command varying prices in the global market, presenting opportunities for businesses to capitalise on sustainability efforts,” he noted. He further highlighted Article Six of the Paris Agreement, which standardises carbon credit transactions between countries, creating financial incentives for adopting greener practices.
Financing remains a critical enabler for sustainable logistics. Low-interest and concessional funding options allow companies to adopt renewable energy technologies without excessive upfront costs. Tahinduka explained that when these financial instruments are leveraged effectively, the cost savings can be passed on to customers, facilitating broader adoption of sustainable practices.
The discussion highlighted a dual strategy for companies: pursue immediate opportunities for decarbonisation, such as electrification of short-haul fleets, while investing in longer-term research and infrastructure to enable wider adoption of alternative energy solutions. This approach ensures both environmental and economic benefits, creating a sustainable path forward for South Africa’s logistics and cold chain sectors.