Car exports slacken as Zimbabwe withers

KEVIN MAYHEW THE RAPIDLY improving infrastructure at Beit Bridge crossing is improving the service levels provided by forwarders, according to the general manager of Mitchell Exports International, Kim van Staden. The company specialises in exporting new vehicles to African countries either from South Africa or transhipped from other countries like Japan. It was established in 1992 and moved to Musina seven years ago. In 2003 Mitchell moved about 200 vehicles into other African countries, but Van Staden says that the demand has slackened off lately due to the economic collapse in Zimbabwe. “We still have enough to keep us busy but things are slower than in previous years. As for our decision to move to Musina, we have no regrets,” she explains.