RFA CONVENTION 2026
29 - 31 May 2026, The Capital, Zimbali Hotel, Kwazulu Natal
Programme
Experience an exciting programme with a carefully selected lineup of inspiring speakers at this year’s conference.
07:30 - 08:00
Arrival & Registration
08:00 - 08:05
Welcome
Joanne Joseph
Our MC
I am delighted to be your Master of Ceremonies at the RFA Convention 2026. I look forward to guiding our discussions and conversations throughout the conference. With over 30 years in South African and international media as a broadcaster, author, interviewer, and moderator, I have had the privilege of cutting through complexity to explore topics across economic, sustainability, governance, and social issues.
Fun fact: I’ve clocked tens of thousands of hours of live broadcasting, handling breaking news and live interviews with calm precision—no retakes allowed!
As we Shift Gears toward the future of road freight, I invite you to join me in the conversation, hear my perspective, and engage with the insights shaping our industry.
QUIZZ
08:05 - 08:15
Welcome by RFA Chairman & Opening DVD
Penwell Lunga
Chairman: RFA
Penwell Lunga is a highly accomplished professional with a BJuris, LLB, MBA, and MSc in Human Resources. He began his career with Steinhoff in 2005 as Group Industrial Relations Manager, overseeing labour relations and legal matters. In 2012, he joined KAP Industrial Holdings Limited, where he was appointed Group Stakeholder Relations Executive in 2016, becoming part of the executive committee. Penwell’s extensive expertise in industrial relations and community engagement has seen him represent the group in key industry forums, shaping strategy and strengthening relationships across regions.
08:15 - 08:25
CEO Address
Gavin Kelly
CEO: RFA
Gavin Kelly has been instrumental in transforming South Africa’s trucking industry. Since joining the RFA in 2007 and being appointed as CEO in 2019, he has advocated for smarter, safer, and more sustainable trucking practices. Under his leadership, the RFA has addressed critical challenges such as fuel costs and infrastructure decay, while promoting technological advancements and regulatory reforms to enhance industry efficiency and safety.
With a BA (Psychology), HDE and PDM and over 30 years in the transport sector, Gavin has significantly influenced industry standards and legislation.
08:25 - 08:35
Presentation by Astron Energy
Dan Hirsch
Refinery General Manager: Astron Energy
I am delighted to be your Master of Ceremonies at the RFA Convention 2026. I look forward to guiding our discussions and conversations throughout the conference. With over 30 years in South African and international media as a broadcaster, author, interviewer, and moderator, I have had the privilege of cutting through complexity to explore topics across economic, sustainability, governance, and social issues.
Fun fact: I’ve clocked tens of thousands of hours of live broadcasting, handling breaking news and live interviews with calm precision—no retakes allowed!
As we Shift Gears toward the future of road freight, I invite you to join me in the conversation, hear my perspective, and engage with the insights shaping our industry.
08:35 - 09:10
Keynote Address
Honourable Mkhuleko Hlengwa
Deputy Minister of Transport
Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa was appointed as Deputy Minister of Transport from 3 July 2024.
He served as the Chairperson of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA). He became a Member of the National Assembly in February 2012 and has served on the SCOPA since 2014. Mr Hlengwa was previously the National Chairperson of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Youth Brigade.
He became a political party activist at the age of 10 in 1997 and soon became National Chairperson of the IFP Youth Brigade. He was sworn in as a member of the National Assembly in May 2012 and became one of the youngest parliamentarians.
Following his re-election in May 2014, Mr Hlengwa became a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. In June 2019, the African National Congress offered the SCOPA chairpersonship to the IFP. The party accepted and nominated him to head the committee from July 2019.
Mr Hlengwa was re-elected to the National Assembly following the 2024 General Elections, having been ranked third on the IFP’s national list.
09:10 - 09:15
QUIZZ
09:15 - 09:45
Shifting Gears in a Tough Economy:
What Should Business Expect Next?
Simphiwe Letlojane
Head of Security Investments: ABSA
I look forward to joining you at the RFA Convention 2026, where I’ll be sharing insights on “Shifting Gears in a Tough Economy: What Should Business Expect Next?”
As Head of Security Investments at Absa Investments and a Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa, my work focuses on analysing economic trends, market risks, and investment opportunities to help businesses navigate an increasingly complex financial environment. With a BSc Honours in Actuarial Science and extensive experience in asset management, I specialise in macro-economic research, asset allocation, securities analysis, and portfolio construction.
In my session, I’ll unpack the key economic forces shaping South Africa’s business landscape, explore what lies ahead for industry, and share perspectives on how organisations can prepare for the next economic gear shift.
✨ Fun fact: Actuaries like Simphiwe are often called the “financial risk detectives”—using advanced mathematics and economic insight to anticipate trends and help businesses prepare for what lies ahead.
09:45 - 10:20
Finding the right Gear in Politics:
What It Means for Business and Transport
Justice Malala
Political Analyst
I am thrilled to be speaking at the RFA Convention 2026.
As a political analyst, columnist, author, and television host, I explore how politics, economics, and society intersect, and what these shifts mean for business and transport. Described by The Economist as “perhaps the country’s most astute political commentator,” I aim to bring sharp insights and fresh perspectives to complex issues affecting our industry.
Fun fact: My book, The Plot to Save South Africa, became a number one bestseller and was praised globally—from The Guardian to Financial Times—showing how history and policy can be both compelling and accessible.
At this year’s convention, I will be presenting “Shifting Gears in Politics: What It Means for Business and Transport.” I invite you to join me in the discussion, hear my perspective, and explore how political and economic changes are steering the future of the road freight and logistics sector.
10:20 - 10:25
QUIZZ
10:25 - 10:50
Tea Break
10:50 - 11:20
The Next Gear: Preparing Your Transport Business
for a Sustainable, Smarter Future
Liesl De Wet
Chairperson: RFA Green Transport
I am excited to be speaking at the RFA Convention 2026 on the topic, The Next Gear: Preparing Your Transport Business for a Sustainable, Smarter Future.
As Chairperson of the RFA’s Green Transport focus area, I am passionate about helping transport operators navigate the road ahead with confidence, clarity, and responsibility. The future of freight demands more than compliance — it calls for innovation, resilience, and a proactive approach to sustainability that strengthens both your business and the industry.
Fun fact: Green transport is not just about reducing emissions — it’s also one of the smartest ways to reduce operational costs and future-proof your competitive advantage.
As we continue Shifting Gears, I invite you to join me as we explore practical strategies, emerging trends, and smart solutions that will help position your transport business for long-term success in a rapidly evolving landscape.
11:20 - 12:05
Panel Discussion:
The Compliance Gear Shift: AARTO and the Road Ahead for Freight
Moderator: Magretia Brown-Engelbrecht
Director, ADR Hub
Lazarus Bereda, Executive at RCL Foods, who brings a major fleet operator’s perspective, sharing insights on driver management, operational realities, and preparing large transport operations for regulatory change.
Carl Webb, from Project Logistics, brings over four decades of road freight experience, including operations management and owning a transport business. His practical insight will highlight how AARTO impacts real-world fleet operations and compliance.
Steve Cornelius, Senior Consultant at Olea, who will share practical compliance strategies and highlight how businesses can proactively prepare for the evolving regulatory environment.
12:05 - 12:35
Shifting Gears Without Stalling:
The Future of Wage Negotiations in Road Freight
Magretia Brown-Engelbrecht
Director, ADR Hub
Join us in welcoming Magretia Brown-Engelbrecht, who will be speaking on “Shifting Gears Without Stalling: The Future of Wage Negotiations in Road Freight.”
Magretia brings extensive experience in labour relations and collective bargaining within the road freight sector, with a strong focus on navigating the complex landscape of industry wage negotiations. Her work supports constructive engagement between employers and employees while promoting stability and sustainability in the sector.
In an industry facing economic pressure and ongoing transformation, wage negotiations remain a critical issue. Magretia will share insights into the future of wage negotiations in road freight, exploring key challenges, emerging trends, and the importance of collaboration in keeping the industry moving forward.
✨ Fun fact: Successful negotiations often depend on finding the right balance between progress and sustainability
12:35 - 12:40
QUIZZ
12:40 - 13:35
Lunch
13:35 - 14:00
Special Guest Appearance
14:00 - 14:45
Panel Discussion:
Shifting Gears or Stripping Gears?
Is Load Broking Breaking the Freight Engine?
Prof. Hugo Pienaar
Legal Expert
Ryan Kruger, MD of Britannia, who brings a hands-on operator’s perspective, sharing how load broking affects day-to-day operations, fleet efficiency, and service delivery.
Prayleen Bailey, Owner of Krosworx Trading, who will provide the entrepreneurial viewpoint, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for smaller operators navigating this complex space.
14:45 - 14:50
QUIZZ