Global disruptions in recent years - including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, shipping delays, infrastructure challenges and rapid technological change - have highlighted how critical supply chain management is. Once regarded as a technical support function that simply supported the movement of goods and services from the point of origin to the customer, it has evolved into a strategic, innovative, technology-driven discipline that shapes cost, risk, resilience and organisations’ long-term competitiveness.

This shift is creating opportunities for young South Africans entering the workforce, according to SAPICS. At a time when youth unemployment is one of the country's most pressing challenges, supply chain management offers a career path that is in demand, dynamic and rewarding, SAPICS states.

An exciting career path

Young professional and long-standing SAPICS member Kholofelo Mabila has experienced this first-hand. “No two days are the same,” he says. “Supply chain management is an exciting career path because of its diversity. It encompasses everything from purchasing, sourcing and logistics to analytics and demand planning. There’s something for everyone depending on where they want to go career-wise.

“The field offers a growth-driven, high-impact environment where adaptability, resilience, problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking are the tools of the trade. There is always something new to learn, tackle and overcome.”

Digital and technology skills are a must-have

Mabila, who is a sourcing and contract administrator for one of the world’s leading producers of platinum group metals, notes that digital literacy is now non-negotiable for supply chain professionals. “Digital and technology skills are a must-have. The drive for resilience and sustainability would be almost impossible without digitisation. We are already using technologies like AI to support sourcing, market research, workflow management and cost-saving initiatives.”

One of the supply chain profession's advantages when it comes to employability is its relevance across the economy. Every industry relies on supply chain capability - from agriculture and manufacturing to healthcare, retail, mining and e-commerce. This creates varied career pathways for young professionals.

For Oscar Lufuno Siziba, who is the president of the SAPICS Student Chapter at the University of Johannesburg and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Logistics Management, this breadth of opportunity is what attracted him to supply chain management. “It gives you opportunities across logistics, procurement, transport, operations, warehousing, inventory management and technology. It is a field that is constantly changing and offers real purpose, growth and impact.”

Everything we use daily depends on supply chains

Supply chain's impact on everyday life also drew him to the profession, he says. “Supply chain and logistics are the backbone of the global economy. Almost everything we use daily depends on supply chains working effectively.”

While supply chain opportunities are growing and the profession has the potential to help address youth unemployment, SAPICS notes that there are still challenges to be overcome. “More needs to be done to expose learners, students and graduates to supply chain careers and ensure that education and training are aligned with rapidly evolving industry needs. Young people also face barriers when entering the workplace. Many graduates struggle to gain practical experience despite strong academic performance, highlighting the need for stronger partnerships between industry and educational institutions.”

Mabila believes mentorship, internships, graduate programmes and industry exposure are critical. “Young graduates need opportunities to connect what they learn in the classroom with what happens in real supply chain environments. Site visits, networking events, mentorship programmes and industry engagement can make a significant difference.”

Mabila credits his membership of SAPICS, and the organisation’s conferences, webinars and engagement opportunities, with helping him get where he is today. “I was provided with the tools, resources, networks and relationships that I needed to build an award-winning career in supply chain.” He has been honoured with an Employee Recognition Award for embodying his company’s values and consistently delivering on his targets.

Mentorship programmes, networking and industry engagement

“Professional associations like SAPICS function as talent incubators,” he expands. “Through mentorship programmes, networking and industry engagement, students gain access to guidance, professional communities and practical insights that help prepare them for the transition into the workplace.”

Siziba echoes this, noting that professional bodies play an important role in bridging the gap between education and employment. “Being associated with SAPICS has helped me see supply chain as more than just a qualification. It has exposed me to the professional side of the industry and the importance of networking, continuous learning and industry involvement.”

This Youth Month, SAPICS is encouraging students, graduates, educators and employers to recognise supply chain management as one of the country's most important future-focused professions. “By investing in young talent today, South Africa can build the skilled workforce needed to strengthen supply chains, support economic growth and create sustainable employment opportunities,” the organisation says.