In line with a strategy to grow its Africa footprint, logistics major UTi has set up its own offices at the Martinsdrift (Botswana) and Machipanda (Mozambique) border posts. “With the advent of Customs modernisation – not only in South Africa but in our neighbouring countries – a lot of technology has been brought on board and paperwork is falling away,” UTi senior manager global trade services and compliance, David Liebenberg, told FTW. “But that doesn’t take away from the fact that in certain areas you will still require a presence – either to assist with physical examination or to produce documentation.” And as over-border traffic increases, shippers are looking for alternatives to the bigger border posts to avoid possible delays, he added. UTi set up the Martinsdrift facility in early July. “We already had an office in Gaborone but we needed to look at the northern side of Botswana.” The Machipanda office in Mozambique became operational in early August dealing with transit clearances, imports and exports and management of the acquittal process. “In Mozambique the local authorities introduced the single-window system – but there is a specific procedure to be followed and if the drivers are not aware of it, the cargo can be delayed. This is where the on-site border office comes into its own.” It’s a change of gear for UTi which has had a presence at all the major border posts for some time. “But with our growing focus on Africa, and in order to facilitate our clients’ growing needs, it’s important that we have a presence at smaller borders as well.” The problem, says Liebenberg, is that truck drivers don’t know the customs processes. “We need a presence there to ensure that the correct acquittal processes are followed with the Customs Authorities. “The offices perform vital functions – if we didn’t have that presence the process wouldn’t be as smooth.” In addition to Mozambique and Botswana, UTi has its own offices in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Mauritius and South Africa with agency agreements with various countries in the rest of Africa. Plans are under way to establish another office at the Mozambique border post of Nyamapanda – and Liebenberg has hinted at possible further expansion of the concept in other strategic locations within Africa. INSERT & CAPTION In order to facilitate our clients’ growing needs, it’s important that we have a presence at smaller borders as well. – David Liebenberg
