On November 6, 2024, we gathered for a landmark event – the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Institute of Customs and Freight Forwarding (ICFF). As an esteemed professional body, the ICFF holds the AGM as a vital platform for transparency, accountability, and strategic planning. This annual gathering is more than just a report-back on our progress; it’s a space for reflection, collaboration, and forward-thinking that guides our journey ahead.
In the past two years, the ICFF has been on a mission to raise awareness of our work, establish standards, and grow our community. Our journey has taken us from a modest 12 members to an impressive 150, a testament to our industry’s need for a dedicated body advocating for standards, professionalism, and growth. However, our vision is broader still. We continue to encourage freight forwarders and customs agents to support their staff members wishing to join the ICFF, as we believe that collective support will drive us forward.
Our success would not be possible without the powerful collaborations we’ve established with key organizations, including SAEPA, SAAFF, Da Vinci, and many others. Together, we are championing the importance of industry standards and promoting professionalism within our field. We also applaud the Training Providers who have sought ICFF recognition for their programs, signaling their commitment to up-to-date, professional, and high-quality training within our industry.
Looking ahead, we invite all individuals to take the next step and apply for their Professional Designations. As we move into 2025, ICFF’s mission is stronger and more ambitious than ever. This year, we are focused on building influential local and international partnerships, setting new benchmarks for excellence, and expanding our alignment with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to enhance our Professional Designation offerings. This aligns with our goal to strengthen supply chain designations, furthering the credibility of our profession and fortifying our industry’s future.
Additionally, we are deeply invested in fostering youth development in freight forwarding and customs. We see this as our responsibility – to equip the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and leadership capacity they need to innovate and lead.
As we reflect on our progress and look forward to the future, let’s continue raising the bar, inspiring change, and making an enduring impact on an industry we are passionate about. The ICFF is a place for all of us, and together, we will drive positive, meaningful change.
By Ingrid du Buisson, President of the ICFF
