A Recognition That Resonates
Click to watch the ASCEA 2025 webinar spotlight featuring Ozzy Nel, CEO of SA Harvest. He was invited to share insights after SA Harvest won two of the highest honours: the Judges’ Spotlight Award and the Humanitarian & Health Supply Chain Management Award.
When SA Harvest was placed in the Judges’ Spotlight at the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards (ASCEA) 2025, it was more than an award. It was proof that food insecurity is not only a humanitarian crisis but also a logistics challenge that can be solved.
In a recent webinar, Ozzy Nel, CEO of SA Harvest, reminded the audience that the organization is more than an NGO. It is a “smart supply chain solution to a very big problem in South Africa.” That framing set the tone for why this recognition matters.
Why We Won
The judges were clear: SA Harvest’s entry stood out because it was a complete, end‑to‑end solution. Reverse logistics, data transparency, and collaboration with industry giants created a model that was both technically sound and socially transformative.As Garry Marshall, Chair of the judging committee, explained, the entry was not just “feel‑good.” It was professional, measurable, and scalable, ticking every box from efficiency to community impact.
What It Meant for Us
For the SA Harvest team, the award was validation. From humble beginnings – trucks driven and meals cooked by Ozzy himself – to serving over 100,000 people a day, the journey has always been about people and partnerships.
Ozzy described the recognition as the “ultimate peer review,” a moment that affirmed the culture of excellence and service at the heart of the organization. It also opened doors with major supply chain partners, strengthening SA Harvest’s role in the industry.
How It Impacts the Industry
The win signals a shift in how supply chains are judged. Humanitarian impact is now part of supply chain excellence. Partnerships with the Road Freight Association (RFA) and recognition at SAPICS show that collaboration and purpose are becoming benchmarks for success.
Judge Cathy Bell captured the sentiment, saying she was “taken aback by the sheer scale” and impressed by the operational excellence behind SA Harvest’s work. That blend of heart and rigor is what sets the model apart.
Scaling and Sustainability
The system is designed to grow. SA Harvest identifies community‑based organizations in each region, encouraging them to build networks and ripple effects. Funding comes from CSI allocations, expat communities abroad, and corporate partners, but scaling requires serious fundraising.
The environmental impact is equally significant: 94 million kilograms of food rescued, CO₂ and methane emissions reduced, and return legs maximized to cut dead kilometres. As Liesl de Wet noted, it is a rare example of a circular supply chain in action.
A Foundation for a Winning Ecosystem
