Cross-border operators feel the impact of e-tolls

Gauteng’s e-tolls have had far-reaching consequences - impacting heavily on crossborder operators as well. This is the word from several trucking companies operating in Botswana who say the increased tolls have seen freight rates in the country escalate. “Countries outside of South Africa’s borders are paying the price,” said one source. “Goods destined for Botswana coming in through the Port of Durban are also tolled and that means increased prices all round.” Operators said it was an additional logistics cost that affected all cargo heading north and travelling through Gauteng. “The cost of logistics in southern Africa is already high. These are increased costs we can ill afford – especially in markets such as Botswana that are stagnant at present and where the impact of the slow economy is being felt by the industry,” said one operator. It is however not only tolls in and around Gauteng that are affecting these operators. “There is a stretch of road near Swartruggens that is in a terrible condition. One would assume if you are paying tolls that the roads would be in mint condition, but that is not the case everywhere and so over and above the toll there is the impact of bad roads on one’s vehicle. It really is just not acceptable.” He said containing costs was imperative in the current economic climate, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. “There is not much that we can do to lobby the South African government in terms of tolls – and as a landlocked country we are dependent on the Port of Durban. It is a difficult situation as we have no choice but just to continue to pay up.”