As the SA Express Parcels Association gears up for costly litigation related to an SA Post Office Regulation (Sapo) that effectively gives the Post Office the monopoly to transport parcels weighing less than 1kg, the organisation is turning to its members for a monthly commitment depending on the size of the company.
“Lockdown regulations and hygiene protocols have imposed substantial additional costs at a time when restricted economic activity has cut revenues,” says Saepa CEO Garry Marshall in an opinion piece published in the latest issue of Saepa’s News Delivery.
The legal details are complex but in a nutshell the organisation will need to replenish its war chest to fund the next phase of the current litigation – a review application before the High Court in relation to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) ruling of last year that found in favour of Sapo.
Marshall predicts that in order to defend the expropriation of couriers' businesses there will be litigation ahead for quite some time to come.
“Complex litigation of this nature, which necessitates employing expert attorneys, advocates and economists does not come cheap. We have already exhausted millions of rands which we raised through extraordinary payments from members,” he said.
“And we’re up against an unsuccessful loss-making organisation that has the use of public funds to fight its cause. Its own monopoly business is going nowhere, shedding jobs and closing outlets. So in desperation, this voracious beast has set its sights on our sector."
