RFA CONVENTION 2026
29 - 31 May 2026, The Capital, Zimbali Hotel, Kwazulu Natal
Sponsorship Opportunities
Get ready to shift gears at the RFA Convention 2026 — the premier gathering of South Africa’s road freight industry leaders. Hosted at the luxurious Capital Zimbali, this year’s convention promises an inspiring blend of strategic insights, networking, and celebration as we move the industry forward into its next phase of innovation and growth.
Under the theme 'Shifting Gears', the convention reflects the dynamic evolution of the trucking and logistics sector — embracing change, driving innovation, and navigating the road to a sustainable and efficient future.
By sponsoring this event, your brand will be positioned at the heart of progress, connecting with the key decision-makers and influencers shaping the future of freight in South Africa.
Why Sponsor?
Connect with over key industry decision-makers
Boost your brand visibility before, during, and after the event
Engage in meaningful networking with top executives and influencers
Align your brand with South Africa’s leading freight association
Benefit from extensive exposure via event marketing, social media, and delegate materials
Who Attends?
The RFA is the largest representative organisation for South Africa’s trucking industry, encompassing both labour and trade sectors. Delegates include operators, industry experts, government officials, top management, and media—all high-level decision-makers shaping the future of trucking.
Why Sponsor?
Sponsoring the Convention puts your brand in the fast lane, offering opportunities to:
- Connect directly with executives who make Capex decisions.
- Display your products and services to a targeted, strategic audience.
- Build brand credibility and create lasting impressions.
- Gain insights into industry challenges and trends.
- Strengthen your profile and competitive advantage.
- Benefit from media and social media coverage.
Sponsor Benefits
Sponsoring the RFA Convention puts your brand in the driver’s seat of South Africa’s road freight industry. It’s your opportunity to connect, engage, and influence the people who move the economy forward.
Key Benefits:
- High-Impact Visibility: Position your brand alongside the RFA — representing 51% of the trucking industry.
- Access to Decision-Makers: Engage directly with CEOs, business owners, and senior executives.
- Lead Generation: Showcase your products and services to a highly targeted audience.
- Media Exposure: Enjoy pre- and post-event coverage across RFA platforms and media partners.
- Brand Credibility: Align with a respected industry leader celebrating 50 years of progress.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with top-tier professionals during the conference, gala dinner, and golf day.
- Industry Support: Demonstrate your commitment to advancing, caring for, and educating the trucking community.
Shift gears with us — and drive your brand forward with the RFA!
Packages
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Branding | Banner Displays TAKEN
Saturday, 30 May 2026 | Foyer Area Outside Zimbali Conference Venues
Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your brand and engage with the trucking industry’s key decision-makers. A dynamic branding display sponsorship puts your business front and centre, ensuring maximum visibility and lasting impact.
Highlight your brand at South Africa’s premier trucking event with a display designed to capture attention, connect with industry professionals, and make a statement.
Sponsorship Highlights:
- Prime Location: Your branding display will be positioned in a high-traffic area near the event venue for maximum exposure.
- Space Allocation: Each display area measures 1m x 2m and includes one table and two chairs.
- First-Come, First-Served: Secure your spot early for the best placement.
- Prize for Excellence: The most outstanding display will receive a special award, celebrating creativity and impact.
Drive your brand forward and leave a lasting impression—secure your branding display today!
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Registration:
Name Badges & Delegate Bags TAKEN
Start the convention on a high note and put your brand in the fast lane! With the Registration sponsorship package, your logo will greet every delegate, speaker, and media representative the moment they arrive at the RFA Convention 2026.
Sponsorship Benefits:
- Visible from the Start: Your branding will appear on all name badges and lanyards, keeping your brand front and center throughout the event.
- Lasting Impression: Feature your logo on premium delegate bags — practical, high-quality keepsakes that attendees will use long after the convention, reinforcing your brand again and again.
- Strategic Placement: Up to four branding points in the registration area ensure maximum visibility and engagement with all arriving delegates.
- Exclusive Exposure: Be the first brand delegates see, creating a strong connection right from check-in.
Shift your brand into high gear and make a powerful first impression at the very start of the convention!
The cost of delegate bags is not included in the sponsorship fee.
The RFA will arrange name tags and onsite registration. The sponsor must provide branded lanyards.
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Programme Advertising TAKEN
Feature your advertisement in the Conference Programme and ensure maximum exposure. Digital editions will reach delegates ahead of the event, while printed copies will be handed directly to every attendee—keeping your brand top of mind as we all shift gears toward the future of trucking.
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Gift Inserts R 1 000.00
Make your mark with every attendee! Place your branded gift or promotional material into each delegate bag for guaranteed attention. A simple yet highly effective way to create a lasting impression.
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Spouses Programme TAKEN
Seize this chance to be part of a cherished tradition and make a lasting impact.
This unique opportunity allows you to connect with the partners of our delegates through a day of relaxation and enjoyment.
Sponsorship Benefits:
- Prominent Branding: Your company’s logo will be featured in both the spa and activity areas.
- Gift Distribution: Opportunity to distribute branded gifts and promotional materials.
- Engagement: Connect with delegates’ spouses and build brand loyalty through meaningful interactions.
The RFA will plan and arrange the activities for this event.
The sponsor can provide branded gifts for the spouses.
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Trailer & Truck Displays TAKEN
Shift your brand into high gear and display your fleet at the RFA Convention 2026! As we celebrate the industry’s next chapter under the theme “Shifting Gears”, this is your chance to put your trucks and trailers in the spotlight for an audience of key decision-makers, industry professionals, and potential clients.
Why Sponsor:
- Maximum Visibility: Trucks and trailers will be prominently displayed outside The Capital, Zimbali, creating a striking first impression for all delegates.
- Brand Impact: Enhance your brand image and attract new customers with a bold, high-profile presence.
- Showroom Ready: The RFA will arrange professional truck wipe-downs and lighting to ensure your fleet looks flawless day and night.
- Exclusive Opportunity: Placement is on a first-come, first-served basis — don’t miss your chance to be part of this milestone event and drive your brand forward!
Be part of the momentum and shift your brand into the fast lane at this iconic celebration of trucking innovation and excellence!
Space is limited. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis.
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Convention Video R 30 000.00
Take your brand front and centre in every highlight of the RFA Convention 2026! Sponsoring the official event video puts your logo and message in front of attendees long after the convention ends.
Sponsorship Benefits:
- Extended Reach: The highlights video will be shared across social media and the event website, creating organic buzz and amplifying your brand far beyond the venue.
- Powerful PR: Align your brand with positive, memorable experiences, enhancing your reputation and creating a lasting connection with delegates.
- Integrated Visibility: Be an integral part of the convention’s most exciting moments, ensuring your brand is associated with innovation, networking, and celebration.
Shift your brand into high gear and make it part of the memories that define the event!
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Branded Photos TAKEN
Put your brand in every frame and make your presence unforgettable! By sponsoring branded photos at the RFA Convention 2026, you ensure your logo travels with every memory captured at the event.
Sponsorship Benefits:
- High Visibility: Your logo will appear on every photo, creating lasting impressions with attendees long after the convention ends.
- Shareable Impact: Photos are printed on-site.
- Engaging Experience: Position your brand at the heart of attendee interactions, connecting with delegates as they capture and share their moments.
Drive your brand forward and shift gears into every attendee’s memory with this interactive, high-impact sponsorship!
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Conference Session Sponsor TAKEN
Saturday, 30 May 2026 | Zimbali Conference Venues
The RFA Conference Session is where the trucking industry shifts gears—bringing together operators, leaders, and innovators to accelerate solutions, navigate challenges, and drive the industry forward. This is your chance to be part of the momentum and position your brand at the heart of industry transformation.
Why Sponsor?
If your goal is to maximize visibility, create meaningful connections, and rev up your brand presence, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for.
Sponsorship Perks:
- Take the driver’s seat with a 07-minute speaking slot during the conference session.
- Showcase your story with a 03-minute promotional video.
- Enjoy exclusive branding rights inside the conference venue.
- Engage delegates with branded gifts, prizes, or promotional materials.
- Gear up your presence with branding in the Tea Break area.
- Dominate the Lunch Area with exclusive branding.
- Leave a lasting impression with marketing materials & keepsakes for delegates.
- Feature your logo in the Conference Programme.
This sponsorship is your fast lane to influence, giving you the platform to connect, inspire, and drive the future of trucking. Don’t just watch the industry move—shift gears and lead the way!
Golf Challenge options
Date: Friday, 29 May 2026
Venue: Zimbali Lakes Golf Course
Get Ready to Tee Off in Style!
The RFA Golf Day Challenge is back — and this year, we’re shifting gears to one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most breathtaking new courses, Zimbali Lakes Golf Course. This is your chance to network, compete, and connect with the leaders who drive South Africa’s road freight industry — all while enjoying a day of world-class golf in a spectacular coastal setting.
Drive Your Brand Forward!
The RFA Golf Day Challenge is more than just a tournament — it’s a power networking platform set against the lush fairways of Zimbali Lakes. Align your brand with excellence, camaraderie, and connection, and tee off toward new business opportunities.
The Players
The RFA Golf Day draws a powerhouse mix of business owners, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and senior executives — professionals who are just as passionate about golf as they are about business. It’s no secret that some of the best deals are struck on the fairway, and this day is designed to blend business and leisure in the perfect drive.
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Golf Day Challenge
Title Sponsorship TAKEN
Position your brand in the spotlight as the exclusive Title Sponsor of the RFA Golf Day Challenge. You’ll enjoy premium exposure and the opportunity to engage directly with top-tier decision-makers throughout the day.
Sponsorship Benefits:
- Exclusive branding rights at the Golf Day registration area.
- Meet & greet golfers as they arrive.
- Premium branding opportunity: Sponsor golfers with branded shirts, caps, golf balls, or merchandise of your choice. (Merchandise for sponsor’s account.)
- Brand visibility at 05 holes of your choice.
- Full branding rights at the Prize-Giving Ceremony.
- Speaking opportunity during Prize-Giving.
- Present prizes and trophies to winners.
Prizes:
The sponsor will provide prizes for:
- Top three teams
- Nearest to the Pin
- Longest Drive
- Longest Day
(In the event of a tie, duplicate prizes must be provided. The RFA will supply the floating trophy and figurines for the winning four-ball team.)
Additional Golf Sponsorship Opportunities
If the Title Golf Day Sponsorship is not taken up, the following additional sponsorship options will be available:
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Golf Day Shirts, Caps
& Registration Sponsor TAKEN
- Exclusive branding at the Golf Day registration area.
- Opportunity to provide branded shirts, caps, golf balls, or merchandise.
- Engage with golfers as they check in and prepare for tee-off.
- The sponsorship fee does not include the cost of the merchandise (Golf shirts, gifts & caps).
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Hole Sponsorship TAKEN
- Showcase your brand one-on-one with golfers at a selected hole.
- Offer refreshments, fun activities, or interactive experiences to leave a lasting impression.
- A great way to build brand personality and visibility on the green.
- The sponsorship fee does not include the cost of the drinks & snacks and snacks at your hole.
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Golf Prize-Giving TAKEN
- Exclusive branding at the Prize-Giving function at the Clubhouse.
- Opportunity to set up promotional materials and branding.
- Provide prizes for the winners and be part of the celebrations.
- The sponsorship fee does not include the cost of the prizes).
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Halfway House Lunch TAKEN
- Exclusive branding at the Halfway House.
- Distribute marketing materials, gifts, or refreshments to players.
- Interact directly with golfers and build meaningful connections.
Welcome Function options
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Welcome Function TAKEN
Friday, 30 May 2026 | Zimbali Copper Restaurant
Kick off the RFA Convention 2026 in high energy and full fan spirit! Our Welcome Dinner sets the stage for networking, learning, and celebration, bringing together South Africa’s road freight leaders under the exciting theme of FIFA Fan Zone. Think football-inspired décor, interactive games, and a lively, immersive atmosphere that captures the thrill of the World Cup!
Sponsorship Benefits:
- Exclusive Branding: Your logo and messaging featured prominently inside the venue.
- Direct Engagement: A dedicated 10-minute slot to address delegates and connect with industry decision-makers.
- Memorable Giveaways: Distribute branded gifts or fan gear that will leave a lasting impression.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with top executives and key stakeholders in a fun, interactive environment.
Step into the spotlight, align your brand with excitement and celebration, and make the Welcome Dinner an unforgettable kick-off to the convention. Shift gears, energize the crowd, and let your brand be part of the ultimate FIFA-inspired fan experience!
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Welcome Pre-Dinner Drinks TAKEN
Friday, 30 May 2026 | Truck Display Area
Be the ultimate host of the evening and make a lasting first impression! By sponsoring the pre-dinner drinks, your brand will be front and centre as guests arrive, mingle, and set the tone for an unforgettable night. This is your opportunity to create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere while connecting directly with key industry leaders.
Sponsorship Benefits:
- Premium Branding: Showcase your brand with prominent signage and décor in the drinks area.
- Exclusive Welcome: Deliver a captivating 05-minute welcome address to kick off the evening.
- Branded Experience: Elevate the moment with custom glassware, coasters, or cocktail napkins featuring your logo.
- Interactive Engagement: Display your products or promotional materials for hands-on attendee interaction.
Make your brand the highlight of the evening’s first impressions and set the stage for a night to remember!
Gala Evening options
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Gala Dinner TAKEN
Saturday, 30 May 2026| Zimbali Conference Venues
Step into an evening of mystery, elegance, and celebration! The RFA Convention 2026 Gala Dinner is the crown jewel of the event, themed Masquerade Ball and designed to dazzle delegates in black tie and evening gowns. This is your opportunity to associate your brand with sophistication, networking, and unforgettable experiences.
Sponsorship Benefits:
- Premium Branding: Your logo can be prominently displayed inside the gala venue — on the stage and dinner menus — ensuring maximum visibility.
- VIP Engagement: Reserved seating (02 tables) for your executives, plus special recognition during the evening.
- Speaking Opportunity: A 10-minute address to the distinguished guests to highlight your brand’s commitment to the industry.
- Branded Memorabilia: Provide exclusive keepsakes or gifts that attendees will cherish, reinforcing your brand long after the event.
- Immersive Experience: Your brand becomes part of the glamour, intrigue, and celebration that defines the Masquerade Ball, making an indelible impression on all attendees.
Shift gears into elegance and let your brand shine at the highlight event of the convention!
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Pre-Dinner Drinks: Gala Dinner TAKEN
Saturday, 30 May 2026 | Truck Display Area
Position your brand at the heart of the evening by sponsoring the pre-dinner drinks, where attendees arrive, mingle, and set the tone for the night. This exclusive sponsorship offers high visibility and the perfect opportunity to connect with key industry players in a relaxed, social setting.
Sponsorship Benefits:
- Branding Exposure: Showcase your brand throughout the drinks area.
- Welcome Speech: Deliver a brief 05-minute welcome address to greet and engage guests.
- Branded Drinkware: Provide custom glassware, coasters, or cocktail napkins for a memorable touch.
- Product Showcase: Highlight your products or promotional materials within the drinks area.
- Make a lasting first impression and set the stage for an unforgettable evening!
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Wine | Gala Dinner TAKEN
Align your brand with the elegance and celebration of this milestone event by sponsoring the wine at the Gala Dinner. As the exclusive wine sponsor, your brand will be part of the evening’s most memorable moments, leaving a lasting impression on an audience that values quality, sophistication, and connection.
Enhance your presence by providing branded wine tags, creating a subtle yet memorable touch that keeps your brand top of mind.
Terms & Conditions
- Cancellations will be accepted before 06 April 2026.
- Sponsors will be charged the full sponsorship amount if they cancel after 06 April 2026. This does not apply to gift sponsorship.
- The following Terms are applicable to sponsors who choose to sponsor gifts:
- Payment must be made to RFA within 07 days upon receipt of an invoice.
- Cancellations will not be accepted.
- The sponsorship application form must be completed, submitted, and signed by an authorised signatory of the company.
- Sponsorship fees must be paid to The Road Freight Association 04 weeks prior to the event and proof of payment must be sent to accounts@rfa.co.za or events@rfa.co.za
- Sponsors are to supply the event manager with all necessary information and plans for the Convention for approval one month prior to the event.
- Sponsors must abide by setup & strike times set out by the events organiser.
- Sponsors may display branding only within the area allocated to them as part of their sponsorship agreement.
- Sponsors must always comply with the venues Health & Safety regulations.
- Sponsors are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, mindful, and professional manner toward all event stakeholders, including delegates, organisers, partners, and venue staff.
- Event Creative Control
The Road Freight Association (RFA) retains full responsibility for the themes, look and feel, design, décor, food and beverage, and entertainment selection for all official functions associated with the event.
This is to ensure brand consistency, event cohesion, and a seamless attendee experience across all sessions and activities. By maintaining creative and operational control, the RFA ensures that every element of the event aligns with the overall theme, professional standards, and objectives of the Association, while still providing sponsors with meaningful and visible branding opportunities. - Food tastings and site visits can be arranged and will be for the sponsors own account.
- All sponsors must comply with The Road Freight Association’s Code of Ethics. Failure to do so will result in branding and marketing material being removed.
- An additional 30% charge on Sponsorship Rates for Non-Members of the RFA.
Special Thank-you to our sponsors
