MEET ME, MICHAEL LEVENDALE, UPF SOUTH AFRICA
Hi Michael! Tell me more about you! Hello, my name is Michael Denzil Levendale, and I am 36 years old. I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, and come from a culturally diverse background. Growing up in Zimbabwe, I greatly appreciated the country’s rich cultural heritage and the strong standard of education it offered. I completed my secondary education and thereafter my accreditation through the University of Cambridge. Following this, I moved to South Africa to further my studies with the University of Pretoria.
What is your background for choosing the industry? I chose a career in Logistics because it offers a dynamic and ever-evolving environment where no two days are the same. Each day presents new challenges and learning opportunities, which keeps the work engaging and intellectually stimulating. I’m drawn to the complexity and variety the field offers – managing the movement of all types of cargo, commodities, and shipments of varying sizes, shapes, and weights. This diversity requires constant problem-solving, adaptability, and coordination, which aligns perfectly with my skills and keeps the role both fulfilling and far from monotonous. Logistics is not just about moving goods; it’s about making global connections work efficiently, and being part of that process is incredibly rewarding.
What is role at the office? I recently joined Alfred and the team at the UPF South Africa office and in my role, as Operations Manager, I am responsible for overseeing and coordinating the end-to-end supply chain processes to ensure the efficient movement of goods. This includes, but is not limited to, managing daily operations such as transportation, inventory control, and order fulfilment but not limited. I oversee workflow optimization, ensure compliance with regulations, maintain high service levels, and identify areas for cost reduction and performance improvement.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In the next five years at UPF, I see myself growing into a more strategic leadership role within the logistics and operations department. I aim to deepen my expertise in Logistics management and contribute to streamlining and optimizing operational processes that align with the company’s long-term goals. I am committed to continuous professional development, and I hope to take on greater responsibilities—whether in regional operations, project management, or leading key initiatives that drive efficiency and innovation. Ultimately, I want to be a key contributor to UPF’s growth and success, while also mentoring and developing the next generation of logistics professionals within the organization.