COMPANY HISTORY

After years working as employed drivers in the transport industry, many truck drivers got the opportunity to become independent businessmen under the owner-driver business-model from the late 1990’s. This model provided many empowerment opportunities for previously disadvantaged individuals, but going from being an employee to being self-employed does not necessarily mean that growth is assured. A lack of basic business skills and huge capital investments needed are some of the disadvantages that owner-drivers have in a competitive market - dominated by big corporations.

In an attempt to address these challenges, 17 such independent Bulk Vehicle Operators (BVO’s) combined resources and established a single entity in the form of Mzanzi Africa Logistics - in July 2004. The BVO’s were all specializing in secondary fuels distribution to commercial and retail sites and Mzanzi is building on their excellent track records in the industry.

The amalgamation was a natural progression to create a conduit for growth and sustainability for the small businesses while developing their capacity and extending their market reach. The 17 BVO’s are now all equal shareholders in Mzanzi Africa Logistics and are seeing their equity soar… In its first year of operation, Mzanzi’s shareholders experienced a turnover growth of more than 100%.

In a consolidation of long-standing relations between shareholders and Shell, Mzanzi secured a five-year contract with Shell to deliver a secondary fuels distribution service in 2006.

Since its inception, Mzanzi Africa Logistics procured 25 new trucks and 5 gas semi-trailers - enhancing our capacity to deliver logistics solutions to our market even further.
Currently, we service contracts across Southern Africa with depots in the Western Cape, Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng.

HIGHLIGHTS TIMELINE

  • Mzanzi registers as a Pty. Ltd. > July 2004
  • Implements new Corporate identity > January 2006
  • Secure finance for 15 new MAN trucks > May 2006
  • Secure R150 million deal to supply adistribution service to Shell > July 2006
  • Moved into offices at foreshore, Cape Town overlooking the harbour > September 2006
  • Accepts delivery of brand new fleet > April 2007