Skip to content

News Archive

17 May 2024

Online courses fill a gap

In Namibia, challenges persist, particularly in freight forwarding, supply chain management, and logistics due to a shortage of skilled professionals. And as technology evolves, the need for these specialised skills becomes increasingly apparent, says Juliette Fourie, managing director of Metro Minds. “The technology advancements taking place in Namibia will need a certain skill set to adapt and embrace. The positive developments and economic growth that the country is experiencing will also require new skills sets like leadership, strategic planning and good management and financial practices. Currently, there are only two universities in Namibia – the University of Namibia and the
Read More »
19 February 2024

Urgent call to improve skills gap – survey

In a recent industry-wide survey, professionals from various sectors have highlighted the key areas that demand urgent attention for improved efficiency and seamless operations. The survey, conducted by Metro Minds, has found that the triad of communication skills, technical knowledge and training – along with adaptability to problem-solving – are the pivotal areas that require strategic focus for continued industry success. Speaking to Freight News, Metro Minds managing director Juliette Fourie said improving these skills within the freight forwarding and customs industry was essential to enhancing efficiency, client satisfaction and overall performance. “Addressing the skills gap through training, education and
Read More »
19 November 2023

New qualification addresses skills training in warehousing sector

African enterprises eager to enhance their skills in the warehousing sector have an opportunity to do so with the launch of a groundbreaking freight handling qualification by Metro Minds. According to MD Juliette Fourie, this qualification goes beyond theoretical learning, offering students hands-on experience in a real warehouse environment. This practical approach allows students to develop essential skills in receiving, managing, and dispatching freight, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry. “The programme further stands out thanks to the use of a freight and distribution simulator,” she said. “This simulation not only facilitates the training of newcomers in
Read More »
5 September 2023

Urgent need to create a pipeline for women leaders

In recent years, the call for improved gender representation in leadership positions has gained momentum, and rightly so. However, the significance of having women in leadership goes beyond mere representation, says Juliette Fourie, managing director of Metro Minds. “Research and data suggest that having more women leaders can be a game-changer for businesses and their financial performance. McKinsey research recently highlighted that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the bottom. Plus, research from academics from the universities of Glasgow and Leicester showed that companies
Read More »
23 June 2023

Digital economy dramatically changes role of human resource management

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, has revolutionised various sectors through the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation. As we move into the fifth industrial revolution, Industry 5.0, a new focus on personalisation and customisation is emerging, placing humans at the centre of technological advancements, says Juliette Fourie, MD of Metro Minds. “Industry 4.0 brought transformative changes to businesses, particularly in the freight and logistics industry. The integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things enhanced efficiency, improved customer experiences, and facilitated tailormade solutions. However, the full potential
Read More »
19 April 2023

SACO CFR Launches STARS Leadership Initiative

STARS Leadership is a leadership and development initiative that aims to identify potential future leaders in the SACO CFR team of companies. This includes SACO CFR, Metro Minds, ZacPak, and the group’s Mauritius office. The initiative aims to offer candidates opportunities to improve their leadership and business skills. SACO CFR aims to invest in its employees’ skill development to secure the future leadership of the company and the industry. By investing in the right people, the business aims to create world-class systems and processes that will lead to high customer satisfaction and good financial results through sustainable and relevant solutions. “The first
Read More »
5 April 2023

Transformed training approach needed for digital world

Digital literacy has become a vital skill in today’s workplace, as technology continues to play a critical role in almost every aspect of business operations. Metro Minds managing director Juliette Fourie explains that the logistics industry is experiencing a significant transformation as it embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with various technologies driving its growth. The top five trends for the industry include the Internet of Things (IoT), which enables real-time tracking of movement, temperature, and humidity. Artificial intelligence algorithms are used to analyse large amounts of data to optimize decision-making, while blockchain technology provides more secure tracking and recording. Autonomous
Read More »
13 February 2023

New degree course elevates professionalism in the industry

For the first time in history, the South African clearing and forwarding sector has access to a Bachelor of Commerce in Freight Forwarding and Customs Compliance. Metro Minds, as an associate faculty of the Da Vinci Institute, will be leading the elective stream for the business school. According to Metro Minds managing director Juliette Fourie, the company has invested heavily in this new offering that will see them run the freight forwarding and customs compliance modules of the degree.“The course specifically focuses on applying skills to navigate the seamless movement, clearance, handling, storage and distribution of goods in the supply
Read More »
Lightbulb on plain background
6 February 2023

Increasing demand for critical thinking

Demand for enterprise and leadership skills is expected to rise, says Juliette Fourie, founder and managing director of Metro Minds.“Enterprise skills are transferable skills, allowing people to navigate complex job functions in different industries. It includes digital literacy, communication, creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and financial literacy.”It is estimated that jobs of the future will demand 70% more of these types of skills than jobs of the past. Skills development, on the other hand, will be provided through experiences, immersion, and augmented learning instead of traditional education practices, Fourie warns. “The percentage of jobs that demand critical thinking has increased
Read More »
Image of Earth from space and digitisation
21 November 2022

Digital literacy is a non-negotiable

The African education system faces a raft of challenges. Across the continent, students are faced with a variety of issues – and accessibility to good education is a major stumbling block. According to Juliette Fourie, MD of Metro Minds, the need for training in the logistics sector is critical.“ The trends shaping the future of logistics in Africa are digitisation, closing the urban and rural divide, and the increase of business-to-business companies. Innovation lies in the way the platforms and processes are created to match supply to the demand, aligning to certain skill sets needed to keep up with the
Read More »
Load More