The cross-border transportation sector is on the brink of transforming significantly, thanks to the impending introduction of digital permits. This innovative approach to permits is set to revolutionise the cross-border landscape by streamlining operations, reducing paperwork and boosting efficiency.Lwazi Mboyi, CEO of the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA), told Freight News that implementation of these digital permits was expected to happen before year-end.This announcement signals the end of an era marked by outdated and cumbersome systems whereby truckers have had to queue for paper permits to be placed in their cabs.Mboyi highlighted the importance of the digital transition by comparing it with current inefficiencies. He said modernising the cross-border transport sector was essential to its success. The shift to digital permits promises to alleviate the burden of paperwork and marks a significant step towards enhancing operational efficiency and overall logistics management.“The journey towards streamlining processes and implementing digital solutions began about three years ago. One of the initial steps entailed launching our Cross-Easy platform, which eliminated the need for transporters to apply for and collect permits in person from our offices,” he said. “The ability to apply for, pay for, and download permits online has already benefited cross-border operators by introducing a user-friendly system that is proving far more efficient. The next step in this journey is to introduce digital permits.”Mboyi said the permits would be accessible via various devices, enabling transporters to enter and leave South Africa without needing a physical paper permit.“Digital solutions are being increasingly introduced into our operations as part of an ongoing strategy to increase efficiency, be more user-friendly and deliver solutions that address the evolving needs of our stakeholders,” said Mboyi. “In law enforcement, we are relying increasingly on digital tools to up our game. This will see us using smart tools more frequently as they enable us to detect whether a truck is stolen or unregistered, and whether the driver has the necessary cross-border permits.”He said South Africa wasn’t the only country driving the digital agenda; this was happening across borders. “We are in discussions with several countries regarding the systems we have introduced, such as Cross-Easy. We have already signed an agreement with Lesotho which will see the platform introduced in that country. We have also recently reached an agreement with Angola, which will operate a similar platform in the future.”Mboyi said harmonising systems across southern Africa held tremendous benefits for trade as it would ensure the smooth f low of cargo across corridors and enhance safety along these routes.He said it was crucial to harmonise and improve systems not only across countries but also within countries. “In this regard, we are witnessing significant improvements in collaboration with entities within South Africa. The C-BRTA and the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) have been working closely together and the partnership is yielding positive results.”The C-BRTA also reaps the rewards of its partnership with the SA Revenue Service (Sars). “We are currently finalising the second pilot phase with Sars at the Skilpadshek Border Post, where we are testing a system to accredit trucks. Once we are satisfied with the results, we plan to deploy this accreditation system at other border posts across the country.”
