MEET ME, BONGI MATHEMA, UPF SOUTH AFRICA

Hi Bongi! Tell me more about you! I am 29 years-old and come from Tembisa, a township in the East Rand. I studied Transport Economics at the University of Johannesburg, majoring in Economics and logistics. I enjoy reading business books and autobiographies, watching documentaries and spending time with my loved ones. When I was at my fittest, I also took pleasure in jogging, and I still value staying active whenever I can.

What is your background for choosing the industry? I Honestly, logistics found me. I like trying things I have never heard of and that is how I landed in transport economics. It was an interesting field, and I took up the challenge. My strongest focus has been in on-demand logistics because of how dynamic the industry is.

What is your role at the office? As the field sales representative, I am the first point of contact for the business unit. My role involves prospecting leads by finding businesses that would derive value from using UPF as their trusted logistics partner, sending proposals as well quotes and, upon agreement, onboarding them as clients.

I plan on doing a lot of research around the ideal client and I am excited to learn about all the industries that have previously partnered with the group like mining, construction, renewables etc.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I see myself growing to head up the business development and key accounts in the sub-Saharan region and becoming an industry expert. Possibly even doing some consultancy work.