Supply chain industry body SAPICS has reinforced its commitment to developing South African youth. This is Part 2 of a two-part series.
The second class, which took place in September, was titled ‘Navigating the Supply Chain Management Fast Lane: Enhancing your Personal Agility’. This session offered a compelling look at personal development and adaptability. It featured Regina Naiker from Castrol, who shared her personal experiences of achieving work-life balance, and Dikeledi Sathekge of Coca-Cola, who explored thriving within fast-paced organisational environments, drawing from her background in logistics and digital transformation.
The October class, titled ‘Balancing Tech and Talent – Skills for Success in AI-Enhanced Supply Chains’, explored the integration of technology and human skills in modern supply chains. Alvin Kalideen from SANDVIK Group opened this session with a reflection on the historical evolution of AI and its impact on the supply chain industry. He was joined by Tony Mthethwa of Microsoft, who presented his take on the critical skills needed in AI-enhanced workplaces, highlighting the need to blend technical competencies, such as data analytics and process engineering, with essential soft skills, including communication, adaptability, and creativity.
“These Mini-Master Classes are playing a vital role in developing the crucial soft skills required for emerging supply chain professionals. Students have already provided enthusiastic feedback, commending the classes for being entertaining and providing tangible benefits,” reports Schoemaker.
In addition to the UNISA Mini-Master Classes, SAPICS addressed the pressing need to develop supply chain professionals’ soft skills by arranging a webinar with leadership development and training specialist Dr Hekkie van der Westhuizen. He covered the important areas of self-leadership, emotional intelligence and conflict management.
SAPICS has also entered into discussions with the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Stellenbosch University, to formalise its support for students studying Supply Chain Management and Logistics and Industrial Engineering. Engagement with the University of Johannesburg has led to a Memorandum of Understanding whereby students will receive memberships of SAPICS. Site visits will also be arranged for students, and the university will be involved in the SAPICS Young Professional and Student Conference in February 2025. This is an annual event hosted by SAPICS and geared towards ensuring that young professionals are industry-ready for job opportunities in the dynamic and increasingly critical supply chain management field, and that students are aware of the exciting career opportunities in the profession.
In addition to compelling presentations by an array of insightful, relevant and inspiring presenters, the annual SAPICS Young Professional and Student Conference also offers vital networking and mentoring opportunities. “These are critical components for career success,” Schoemaker concludes.
Source: SAPICS