Founder and Chief Executive of the Logistics Company ‘Go-Girl Logistics’
Siphokazi Matsha is a mother, community builder, and business based in Johannesburg. She was born and raised in a small town in Eastern Cape. She studied for her Btech Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, before having extensive experience working for various companies in the logistics industry.
The businesswoman Siphokazi Matsha, founder and chief executive of the logistics company, ‘Go-Girl Logistics’, holds a National Diploma in Stock Management and a BTech degree in Logistics. Siphokazi also completed a Management Advanced Program at the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as gaining knowledge in Imports and Exports. She went on to further her studies in Digital Marketing so that she could learn how to market her logistics company online.
WiredUp had a Q & A interview session with Siphokazi Matsha
Who is Siphokazi Matsha? What is your background?
My name is Siphokazi Matsha, founder and chief executive of the logistics company ‘Go-Girl Logistics’, with a National Diploma in Stock Management and a BTech degree in Logistics. Siphokazi also completed a Management Advanced Program at the University of the Witwatersrand and gained knowledge in Imports and Exports. I went on to further my studies in Digital Marketing so that I could learn how to market my logistics company online.
As the founder and Managing Director of Go-Girl logistics, a 100% black female-owned business and with years of experience in the Logistics field, what is your aim of establishing the company, and why?
My biggest motivation was to open spaces for women in the industry. Making sure that the narrative says that women are incapable of leading this industry is slowly moved out of the industry. Growing up in Mdantsane, East London, and being aware of the daily struggles that women face, inspired me to work harder to create opportunities for other women so that she could play an active role in changing other people's lives. What pushes me daily is the vision for the company to grow so that we can change other people’s lives for the better.
In your article titled; “Digitising The Logistic Industry To Fit In The Current Norms Of Running A Logistics Business,” in what way would you say the digital transformation has transformed the industry?
For small logistics companies where digital transformation has been quite a blessing and a portal to growth which is beyond the borders of your country. More significantly, digital platforms have been increasingly important in the logistics industry, allowing small companies to have a global reach and compete with the sector’s established giants. Over the next few years, the race to build a dominant global platform will transform the customer’s logistics experience. It will be the central issue in determining which enterprises will be the winners and losers in a truly digital logistics industry.
What are some new things to be expected from Go-Girl Logistics?
The plan for the future is to continuously expand and have a great reach as far as business growth is concerned. We are also keen on continuing to make an impact beyond business, where we can empower young women through training and employment.
What challenges have you faced in your field, and how have you overcome some of these challenges?
Gaining trust and credibility was a big problem. It still is because there are a lot of role players who have been in the industry for many years. We overcome these challenges by giving excellent and quality service to our clients and partners. We’ve had to work extremely hard to prove that we understand the industry and the value chain we are trying to build. As women, we are forever proving a point that we are just good as men.
It took quite a lot to navigate within the industry but because I was so driven to make a difference and open up the industry for women. Giving up was not an option. The first thing we had to do was to ensure we did not compromise on the quality of service. We made sure that all our clients were satisfied and eventually, people started seeing you, not just as a woman in the logistics industry but as a key player in the industry.
How do you think we can start to get more young African females into the logistics field?
In a typically male-dominated industry, we are a 100% black female-owned business with a proud mandate to empower women within our sector.
One of the most efficient ways to get more and continue to build our successful company is through hiring, training, and leadership programs for women to thrive. This has been our biggest mandate because the logistics industry continues to be quite disadvantaged and in the background of the actual operations of the industry.
What achievement are you most proud of?
The proudest moment of my journey has been the opportunity to execute my dream when I was young. Growing up in Mdanstane, I dreamed of doing work that would have a recognisable impact and bring about change. When I look at the journey that I’ve had, from being the only driver at Go-Girl Logistics to actually employing other women, I will always take that and cherish it as an achievement.
What is your message to upcoming young Africans passionate about logistics management/development?
Be prepared to work hard and have the resilience to keep going. It's not an easy journey, especially for a young woman but that must never scare you. Also, when you offer your services to your clients. Make sure you cater to all of your clients’ needs so that they will keep coming back for your services because of the great quality you would be offering them.