The View Point

GUEST: Gavin Kelly – CEO of The Road Freight Association

The Road Freight Association (RFA) held its milestone annual Convention from 23 to 25 May at the picturesque Champagne Sports Resort in KwaZulu-Natal. This year’s event was not only a vital forum for industry discussion and strategic planning, but also a significant celebration of the Association’s 50 years of dedicated service to its members and the broader South African economy.

Since its inception in 1975 as the Public Hauliers Association, evolving into the RFA in 1989, the organisation has been instrumental in shaping policy, elevating industry standards, and providing essential support to its members. Through half a century, the RFA has been at the forefront of advocacy, from the regulatory development of the National Road Traffic Act in the early 1990s to the introduction of formal road transport and logistics courses in 1995. More recently, the RFA has championed digital transformation, sustainability, and the modernisation of industry practices.

GUEST: Kedibone Phetla- Acting Chief Ombud at Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS)

About the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) 

Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) was established as a Public Entity under the Community Schemes Ombud Service Act (Act No 9 OF 2011) [CSOS ACT], which was promulgated on the 11th of June 2011. CSOS was established to regulate the conduct of parties within community schemes and to ensure good governance in those community schemes. Amongst their key objectives is to offer free dispute resolution service and training to people who are living in community schemes such as gated residential estates, old age homes, sectional tiles, block of flats etc.

GUEST: Ismail Lagardien is a writer, columnist and political economist with extensive exposure and experience in global political economic affairs. 

In this sharply observed column, Ismail Lagardien critiques the phenomenon of Afrikaners emigrating to the U.S. under claims of persecution, arguing many are driven by discomfort with post-apartheid South Africa rather than genuine threat. He challenges the narrative of "white genocide" and contends that these so-called "spaza refugees" are unlikely to admit they had better living conditions in South Africa than they will experience abroad. Drawing on personal experience and political-economic analysis, Lagardien highlights how myths of persecution are often more ideological than factual — and warns that life in the U.S. may prove harsher than expected

GUEST  Nezo Sobekwa - ECIC economist

On Africa Day 2025, the Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa (ECIC) celebrates continental unity under the AU’s theme of reparative justice. ECIC reaffirms its commitment to advancing Africa’s economic integration through trade and infrastructure development. By supporting over $2 billion in export-linked projects—from railways in Ghana to mining in the DRC—ECIC mitigates risk and enables transformative development. These efforts align with AfCFTA goals and promote sustainable growth, education, and regional connectivity. Through partnerships like the $1 billion SATIPP with Afreximbank, ECIC continues to drive investment that uplifts communities and strengthens Africa’s shared future

GUEST  Reuben Coetzer - Free SA Spokesperson

PLOT:Free SA has introduced its Power to the People Constitutional Amendment Bill, set for submission to Parliament by the end of May 2025. This bold initiative responds to Parliament’s call for amendment proposals and seeks to correct three major flaws in South Africa’s governance: an oversized Cabinet, failing state monopolies, and centralised policing. The Amendment proposes a leaner national Cabinet, capped at 15 Ministers and 15 Deputies, to curb wasteful expenditure. It also decentralises policing, empowering provinces to manage their own safety. Free SA urges all South Africans to support this practical plan to rebuild accountable, efficient, and community-driven governance.

Guest: Sheldon Morais- Expert media practitioner and  Head of Thought Leadership for Trialogue

Guest: Busi Mavuso is the CEO at Business Leadership South Africa

Guest: Kone Gugushe- Head of social investing at FNB 

Sheldon has over 20 years’ experience in news, digital publishing and broadcast media. He has held senior editorial positions at two of the country’s leading news publishers. In 2022, he completed an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science. Sheldon also holds a BA in Journalism and Media Studies, and Politics. His mission is to help people live better lives through the power of information and communication.

Guest: Chantel Maxim-  Founder of Lady MD – Maxim Development and Global Leader in Sustainable Business and Social Impact

It is with great honor that we welcome Chantal Maxim to the Legends Lounge today. A trailblazer in business and social impact, Chantal has made a profound difference through her work with Lady MD – Maxim Development, pioneering sustainable business strategies. As the South Africa Chair for G100, she has shaped the future of talent development. Her leadership in the Informal Economy Global Forum is helping bridge the gap between formal and informal economies, while her innovative Market Economy Treatment (MET) aims to drive economic equity. Chantal’s unwavering commitment to empowerment and transformation is truly legendary.