Alan Peat
IF THERE is a good aftermath to the closure of the Beitbridge border post by floods, it might be a continued co-operation between the SARS (SA Revenue Services) customs authorities and the private sector freight and forwarding industries, according to Brian Kalshoven, m.d. of the Beitbridge Border Clearing Agency and chairman for the region of SAAFF (SA Association of Freight Forwarders).
Beitbridge is the largest land border post in Southern Africa, he said, with an established infrastructure and facilities comparable to the best.
During the recent flooding all these resources (including human) were graphically put to the test.
Despite major disruption totally beyond their control, the staff of SARS, SAPS, the SANDF, forwarders and transporters worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth flow of trucks, cargo and tourists both north and southbound, Kalshoven added.
The closure of the N1 to heavy commercial traffic for four days was cause for great concern, he told FTW. But the staff of SARS were on full stand-by, and pre-clearances were effected.
The involvement of the inspectorate division, coupled with risk analysis, ensured that no irregularities occurred.
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