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Following a highly successful Fleet Safety Awards last week, the South African Association for Fleet Professionals (AFP) was launched. There are various objectives associated with the launch of AFP, primarily the transformation of the fleet profession.
The president of the AFP, Eugene Herbert, says traditionally those working as fleet professionals evolve into their roles as opposed to being the result of an intentional trajectory. “Often, fleet managers find themselves in these roles because they excel in some, or multiple, areas of fleet management. The AFP will provide the tools and assistance to transform the role of the fleet professional into something one strives toward as part of their career path.
“Thus, the AFP will support and develop fleet professionals while elevating the profession as a whole. As a result, road safety will be further promoted, operations will achieve greater efficiency, and a sustainable transport sector will be created. The role of a fleet professional will become something one aspires to rather than finding themselves in this role unintentionally,” says Herbert.
Twelve key strategies are intended to transform the industry for both current and future fleet professionals:
- Professional development: learning opportunities to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving industry.
- Industry-standard and best practice: raise the standards of the profession by establishing and promoting industry standards.
- Networking and knowledge sharing: break the isolation fleet managers might find oneself in by sharing experiences, solutions and insights.
- Advocacy and representation: the AFP will be a unified voice for fleet professionals.
- Career advancement: developing the credibility of the profession will play a major role in assisting fleet managers in growing their careers.
- Address local challenges: South Africa is vastly different to many first world countries, thus, while some international best practice is applicable, others need to account for local circumstances, which the AFP is tailored for.
- Promoting environmental sustainability: as the importance of eco-friendly practices and technologies grows, the AFP will help fleet professionals lead the way in implementation.
- Bridge the skills gap: targeted training and development programs, including formal academic development, will decrease this gap.
- Enhanced business value: the AFP will assist in the drive to reduce costs and improve efficiency, thus illustrating the fleet manager’s value to the organisation.
- Foster innovation: accesses to the latest technology is available through the AFP
- Support economic growth: improvement of the fleet management sector will result in positive economic impacts for the economy as well.
- Support system: the AFP will be a source of mentorship, guidance and camaraderie in a tough industry.
The AFP will officially begin in 2025. “It will be a groundbreaking year within the fleet management industry. We highly anticipate a successful inaugural year where the success, growth and development of fleet professions are brought to the forefront at organisations committed to road safety,” says Herbert.