2025 RFA Conference: Reflecting on the past, shaping the future

The Road Freight Association (RFA) will be celebrating a milestone IN 2025 – 50 years of representing and supporting South Africa’s road freight industry. This will be very much top of mind at this year’s RFA Conference, which takes place from 23 to 25 May at the Champagne Sports Resort in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The theme for this year’s event, “A Celebration of Trucking”, invites attendees to reflect on the journey so far, while also focusing on where the industry is heading.

Over the past five decades, the RFA has played a vital role in helping shape a more stable, efficient, and safety-conscious road freight sector. Today, road freight continues to be the backbone of the South African economy, moving more than 80% of the country’s goods. The industry has had to weather its fair share of challenges, from fluctuating fuel prices and rising costs to changes in regulations and the need to keep up with rapid technological advancements. This year’s conference provides an opportunity for those in the sector to come together, take stock of recent developments, and explore new ways of working more effectively in a fast-changing world.

The weekend event will open with a relaxed Golf Day on the Friday, giving attendees a chance to connect informally before diving into the conference sessions. On Saturday, the focus shifts to insight and discussion, with presentations from thought leaders across the industry. Topics are expected to include everything from artificial intelligence (AI) and fleet management to infrastructure and investment. There will also be room for discussions around collaboration between road and rail, as well as how the sector can adapt to changing customer expectations and the broader economic climate.

Among the speakers lined up are RFA CEO Gavin Kelly, political analyst Dr Ongama Mtimka, and Absa’s Ricardo Smith. RFA chairperson Penwell Lunga will reflect on five decades of advocacy, while Steven Sutherland, general manager at MiX by Powerfleet, will unpack the role of telematics in smarter fleets. Each speaker will offer a different lens through which to view the state of the industry, along with ideas for how it can thrive in the years ahead. A highlight of the weekend will be the elegant gala dinner on Saturday evening, where delegates can network and celebrate the people behind the industry.

In addition to the talks and networking opportunities, the conference will showcase some of the latest innovations in transport and logistics. From fleet telematics to safety tech, attendees will be able to explore tools and services designed to improve efficiency and reduce risk. The #ThankYouTrucker campaign, run in partnership with Iveco, will also form part of the weekend, shining a light on the important role that drivers play in keeping supply chains moving.

The RFA Convention strikes a balance between looking to the future and staying grounded in the real, day-to-day challenges the industry faces. It is about celebrating progress, without shying away from tough conversations. The event offers business owners, suppliers, fleet managers, and policymakers alike the opportunity to gain useful insights and form meaningful connections.

Registration is open, with early bird rates available until 3 April. For details on how to book or to learn more about the programme, visit the RFA website or get in touch with the organisers directly.