As Shumani Industrial Equipment wraps up a milestone year, MD Victor Nemukula reflects on the company’s achievements and his vision for 2025. Shumani’s strides this year include becoming a major player in the forklift market and introducing South Africa’s first locally branded forklift, a landmark for both Shumani and the industry.
“This year marked a turning point for Shumani,” comments Nemukula. Transitioning from a sub-dealer of Goscor Lift Trucks to an independent importer of its own forklift brand has laid a solid foundation for growth across Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Our launch of the Bheka forklift is a point of pride. This is not just a product; it is a brand that South Africans can identify with, reflecting our commitment to building a truly South African industrial equipment offering,” adds Nemukula.
Looking ahead, Nemukula is optimistic following the renewed sense of economic stability following the recent elections. “We are excited about the upcoming year. There is a positive business sentiment. The Bheka forklift, launched in the final quarter of 2024, has already sparked massive interest. We believe this enthusiasm will only grow as more customers discover the product, opening new business opportunities for Shumani in South Africa.”
A decade of growth has solidified Shumani’s reputation for delivering innovative industrial solutions. “Our growth strategy has always focused on market-responsive, cutting-edge products. It is a recipe that has consistently positioned Shumani for expansion, and we plan to stick with it in 2025,” notes Nemukula.
Shumani’s partnership with Anhui Heli, a global leader in material handling, has further strengthened the company’s ability to deliver quality products at competitive prices. “This collaboration allows us to bring cost-effective, quality equipment to the market, assisting our customers to boost their own competitiveness, both locally and internationally,” says Nemukula.
As the industrial sector moves toward digital transformation and automation, electric forklifts are reshaping Shumani’s operations and product offerings. “Electric forklifts are becoming the norm as companies look to reduce their carbon footprint,” highlights Nemukula. “While they may require a higher initial investment, they lower production costs in the long term. We anticipate this trend will fully replace internal combustion forklifts by 2030.”
However, Nemukula acknowledges ongoing challenges for the industry, citing slow economic growth and a shortage of skilled employees. “The skills gap increases operational costs as companies vie for the same scarce expertise,” he explains. To mitigate this, Shumani dedicates a substantial portion of its budget to skills development, prioritising hires from the communities where it operates and directing its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) efforts locally as well.
Despite these hurdles, Shumani is optimistic about the future. “We are entering 2025 with a positive outlook, bolstered by a stable political and economic environment. Our products and services are being received enthusiastically, and this momentum is encouraging,” says Nemukula. To the dedicated employees of Shumani, he concludes: “Our successes are built on the hard work and commitment of our staff.”
