The South African Association for Fleet Professionals (AFP), in collaboration with MasterDrive, hosted its inaugural virtual colloquium today — a milestone event that signals a new era for the local fleet industry.
With over 400 professionals registering for the online event, the enthusiasm surrounding this first-of-its-kind colloquium is a clear endorsement of the AFP’s mission: to elevate fleet management into a recognised profession of excellence, underpinned by continuous learning, collaboration, and standards of best practice.
“This event marks an important milestone in our mission to address the demand for professional development and industry standards,” said Eugene Herbert, President of the AFP. “It is the first step in building a structured, aspirational career path in fleet management, and the support we’ve received affirms that the industry is ready.”
A New Professional Identity for Fleet Management
More than just a networking platform, the AFP is designed as a structured body that provides real value to all stakeholders in fleet operations — from individual professionals to large organisations and supporting service providers.
The Association has introduced a flexible, tiered membership system tailored to varying needs, with bronze, silver, and gold packages across three core categories: individual fleet professionals, corporate fleet teams, and affiliated organisations. Membership applications officially opened today.
“Whether you’re an individual eager to upskill or a business seeking to standardise best practices across a large fleet, the AFP offers a home for every level of ambition,” Herbert explained. “It’s about creating a unified voice and shared purpose for our industry.”
Charting the Future: EVs, Resilience, and Innovation
The colloquium centred on one of the most pressing issues shaping the future of fleet management: the shift towards sustainability and the role of electric vehicles (EVs).
Keynote speaker Winstone Jordaan, Founder and Managing Director of GridCars, delivered a thought-provoking address on how the evolution of EVs is poised to reshape operational strategies. Jordaan highlighted actionable insights for fleet operators, whether they are at the starting line or already integrating EV solutions.
“Winstone was a veritable source of information that fleet managers will find instrumental in preparation for the transformation that lies ahead,” said Herbert. “Sustainability isn’t a distant vision; it’s an urgent operational reality.”
Following the keynote, an expert-led panel discussion deepened the conversation around future-readiness and operational resilience. Highlights included:
- Gavin Kelly (Road Freight Association): On preparing for future trends in road freight today
- Bobby Shemmans (RNS Occupational Health and Safety): On embedding sustainable safety cultures within fleet environments
- Jonathan Mphake (Supply Chain & Fleet Expert): On successful tech implementation in modern fleets
- Mpho Chokwe (Santam): On using insurance data to reinforce operational resilience
- Graham Eagle (Auto Industry Consultant): On next-gen procurement strategies
- Rob Sansom (AfriSam): On fostering innovation within established fleet ecosystems
Each speaker brought a unique lens to the discussion, offering both strategic insights and practical takeaways that attendees could immediately apply within their organisations.
Looking Ahead
The AFP’s first colloquium has not only set a precedent but also laid the groundwork for a series of future-forward events aimed at fostering excellence across the fleet sector. With such an impactful launch, the bar has been set high — and the industry is eager for what’s next.
“Our goal is to provide meaningful, ongoing support to our members and partners,” Herbert concluded. “This colloquium is just the beginning. The future of fleet management in South Africa is brighter, more connected, and more professional than ever before.”
A heartfelt thanks goes to the event partners and prize sponsors who helped elevate the occasion: AfriSam, Avis, AWARE.org, Body Stress Release, Eqstra, Old Mutual Insure, Optix, and RNS Occupational Health and Safety.
