Spotlight on WiLAT-SA

The logistics and transport industry is the backbone of every economy. Every product delivered to a store, every shipment that arrives at a port, every bus, truck, train and aircraft that keeps people and goods moving depends on a strong transport and logistics network.

Yet for many years, women have been significantly underrepresented in this traditionally male-dominated sector.

This is where Women in Logistics and Transport South Africa (WiLAT-SA) comes in.

WILAT-SA is a professional organisation dedicated to empowering, developing and advancing women across the logistics, transport and supply chain industries. It creates opportunities for women to grow professionally, become industry leaders, mentor future generations and contribute meaningfully to one of South Africa’s most critical economic sectors.

The South African chapter is commonly known as WiLAT-SA (Women in Logistics and Transport South Africa).

It operates as the women’s professional chapter within the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA), while also forming part of the global WiLAT network operating across numerous countries worldwide.

The vision for WiLAT began internationally when leaders within the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport recognised the need to increase the participation and visibility of women within logistics and transport.

Although women had been contributing to the industry for decades, many faced barriers to leadership, professional recognition and career advancement.

To address these challenges, Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) was officially launched globally in June 2013, creating a platform that would unite women, encourage professional excellence and build strong mentoring and leadership networks. Today, WiLAT has grown into an international movement with members across dozens of countries.

South Africa officially launched WiLAT-SA in May 2013, becoming one of the pioneering African chapters.

The organisation was established to:

Promote careers in logistics and transport among women

Increase female participation throughout the sector

Build professional networks

Encourage lifelong learning

Develop future leaders

Create mentorship opportunities

Advocate for diversity and inclusion throughout the industry

Since its inception, WiLAT-SA has continued to expand its footprint through conferences, leadership programmes, networking events, research initiatives, skills development and community outreach.

The Vision

WiLAT envisions a future where women are equally represented in every area of logistics, transport and supply chain management—from the warehouse floor to executive boardrooms.

Its vision is to be the leading organisation for advocacy, professionalism and the empowerment of women in logistics, transport and supply chain.

 

• Promote the status of women in logistics and transport.

• Support talent and career development.

• Build professional networks.

• Provide mentorship opportunities.

• Inspire leadership.

• Create equal opportunities across the industry.

Ultimately, WiLAT seeks to ensure that women are not only participants in the sector but also innovators, entrepreneurs, decision-makers and industry leaders.

 

• Professional networking opportunities

• Leadership development programmes

• Mentorship initiatives

• Skills development workshops

• Industry conferences

• Research collaborations

• Youth and student development

• Entrepreneurship support

• Corporate partnerships

• Advocacy for gender equality within logistics and transport

Its work extends beyond individual career development to strengthening South Africa’s logistics and supply chain ecosystem as a whole.

 

Logistics contributes significantly to economic growth, international trade and national development.

As industries continue to evolve through technology, automation and digital transformation, the demand for diverse leadership and fresh perspectives has never been greater.

WiLAT believes that empowering women strengthens businesses, improves innovation and builds more resilient supply chains.

By investing in women, the organisation is helping shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for South Africa’s transport and logistics sector.

 

Today, WiLAT has become far more than a professional association.

• Inspire future generations.

• Break barriers.

• Create opportunities.

• Build meaningful partnerships.

• Share knowledge.

• Champion diversity.

• Lead with excellence.

Its strength lies not only in its members but in its unwavering commitment to ensuring that every woman entering the logistics and transport industry has the opportunity to thrive.

 

As South Africa continues to modernise its transport systems, strengthen supply chains and embrace innovation, organisations such as WiLAT-SA will play an increasingly important role in developing the skilled, diverse leadership needed for the future.

Through collaboration, mentorship and empowerment, WiLAT-SA is proving that the future of logistics is not only about moving goods—it is about moving people, unlocking potential and driving lasting transformation.