Every time you order food online, buy clothes in-store, or receive a package at your gate, you are witnessing the power of logistics and supply chain management. These systems are the invisible engines behind South Africa’s economy, connecting producers, suppliers, retailers, and customers.
As businesses modernise and e-commerce grows, careers in logistics and supply chain are booming - offering jobseekers exciting opportunities in both blue-collar and professional roles.
What is Logistics and Supply Chain Management?
Let’s simplify it: Logistics is about moving goods - transport, warehousing, and delivery. Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the big-picture plan - everything from sourcing raw materials to getting the final product to the customer.
In short: it’s the process that gets the right product, to the right place, at the right time, at the right cost.
5 Reasons Why This Industry Matters in South Africa
1. High employment potential - The sector supports thousands of jobs across SA.
2. Vital for economic recovery - Keeps businesses running, even in tough times.
3. Room to grow - From drivers to data analysts, there’s opportunity for all.
4. In-demand skills - Companies need organised, tech-savvy, and efficient workers.
5. Accessible to all - Matriculants, TVET graduates, university students - everyone can enter.
Popular Careers in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (South Africa)
Here are key job roles - what they do, and what you need to qualify:
1. Warehouse Assistant / Picker & Packer: Organises, stores, and prepares goods for shipment. Entry-level; often no experience needed. Skills: Accuracy, physical fitness, basic English.
2. Truck Driver / Courier: Transports goods between suppliers, warehouses, and customers. Requirements: Valid driver's license (Code 10 or above), PDP, time management.
3. Inventory Controller: Manages stock levels and checks for shortages or overstock. Skills: Attention to detail, Excel or stock software.
4. Logistics Coordinator: Plans routes, books transport, and ensures smooth delivery schedules. Skills: Strong planning ability, communication, basic IT.
5. Procurement Officer: Sources suppliers, negotiates prices, and manages supplier contracts. Skills: Negotiation, research, finance knowledge.
6. Supply Chain Analyst: Uses data to improve delivery times, reduce costs, and forecast needs. Skills: Excel, data analysis, Power BI or SQL, problem-solving.
7. Fleet Manager: Manages vehicles and drivers for a transport company. Skills: Leadership, vehicle maintenance understanding, scheduling.
Where to Find These Jobs in South Africa
Online job boards: PNet, Indeed, Careers24, JobMail, LinkedIn
Industry employers: Shoprite Group, Takealot, DHL, Imperial Logistics, Transnet
Job keywords to search:
“Logistics jobs South Africa”
“Supply chain entry-level jobs SA”
“Warehouse jobs near me”
“Courier or delivery driver jobs SA”
“Freight coordinator vacancies South Africa”
How to Prepare for a Career in Logistics or SCM
Step 1: Understand the Basics
- Watch short videos on YouTube: “What is supply chain management?”
- Follow logistics trends via BusinessTech, MyBroadband, or SA Transport Journal.
Step 2: Learn Key Skills
- Soft Skills: Organisation, problem-solving, time management.
- Digital Skills: Excel, inventory software, tracking apps, GPS.
Certificates & Courses:
- TVET Colleges: Transport, Logistics, or Supply Chain N-courses
- Coursera / Udemy: Logistics basics, inventory control, procurement
- LinkedIn Learning: Supply chain foundations, warehouse management
Step 3: Get Practical Experience
- Volunteer or intern at local courier depots, warehouses, or small businesses.
- Offer to help with stocktaking at your local church, spaza, or NGO to build skills.
Step 4: Get Certified (Bonus!)
- SAPICS: South African supply chain training body - offers industry-recognised certificates.
- CIPS Africa: Procurement and sourcing qualification provider.
- Microsoft Excel Certification: Valuable for almost every logistics role.
Free Learning Resources for South Africans
- Google Digital Skills for Africa - Business and workplace basics
- FutureLearn - Free supply chain and logistics courses
- Zindi.africa - Offers data analysis challenges for logistics and transport
- YouTube - Channels like “Logistics Basics” or “SCM for Beginners”
South Africa Needs Skilled Movers and Planners
As more South Africans shop online and businesses expand, logistics and supply chain management will continue to grow and evolve. This means jobseekers with energy, organisation, and a willingness to learn can build a stable and rewarding career.
No matter your background - there’s a path for you. Whether you want to drive, manage, analyse, or plan - this is your opportunity to help keep South Africa moving.
Start learning. Start growing. Start your journey today.
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!
