SAEPA Graduation - Class of 2026
Celebrating Growth Through Partnership
Graduation for Open Learning Group isn’t just about watching our learners celebrate their big wins; it’s also about thanking the partners who give opportunities to workers who are brave enough to step up and further their careers. These partnerships expand our reach and further bolster why OLG exists. One such partnership is with SAEPA for 13 logistics workers’ education.
On the 11th of April our SAEPA sponsored learners took to the stage and graduated as Road Transport Supervision certificate holders. We were able to achieve this through skills development training facilitated by Open Learning Group (OLG), in partnership with SAEPA member companies, including Skynet, Seaborne Logistics, FedEx, and Rhenus Logistics. For many of these learners, this achievement represents more than finishing a program; it signals a key transition into greater responsibility and leadership within their organizations.
Over a year, the learners completed our FET Certificate in Road Transport Supervision, a qualification designed to reflect the practical needs of the transport and logistics sector.
The programme is structured around the demands of supervisory roles, equipping learners with practical examples while integrating theoretical learning with workplace application. This integrated approach ensures that both theory and practical experience work together to drive meaningful results. It’s a great example of what it looks like to study a programme that addresses a critical gap between education and industry expectations.
Furthermore, Skynet, Seaborne Logistics, FedEx, and Rhenus Logistics facilitated structured workplace exposure for learners, thereby allowing them to practically apply their acquired knowledge within authentic operational settings.
Initiatives such as this ensure that learning is directly informed by industry needs, while also contributing to the development of a sustainable talent pipeline and this approach reflects OLG’s broader commitment to delivering training that is not only accredited, but directly applicable in the workplace. OLG, as the training provider, was instrumental in making the programme a success. We were responsible for everything, from providing accredited theoretical training that met SAQA standards to keeping tabs on how the learners were doing, setting up assessments, and making sure the workplace learning was integrated properly.
“We’re thrilled to see our learners develop into confident, skilled professionals through this programme, ready to make a real difference in the transport industry,” said Zizile Mbatha, FET Co-ordinator.
OLG’s leadership also highlighted the program’s wider importance.
“As Open Learning Group, we’re very proud to be involved in this important partnership, and we look forward to more projects like this. We also congratulate our graduates as they move forward in their careers,” said Makgau Dibakwane, CEO of Open Learning Group.
These kinds of collaborations are vital for strengthening South Africa’s logistics workforce. By developing skilled supervisors, they support improved efficiency, retention, safer operations, and better compliance. They also tackle the ongoing skills shortages that are still affecting productivity and growth in the industry.
The graduation of these learners shows the value of strategic collaborations between training providers and industry stakeholders who value the career growth of their workforce. As the sector continues to evolve, the demand for competent, work-ready professionals will only increase. Partnerships such as this not only expand access to meaningful education but also ensure that training remains aligned with the realities of the workplace and needs of the employees. They are evidence that when we create a pathway for employees to advance their careers, we contribute to the long-term strength of the industry for South Africa.
