A growing number of customs stops is posing an increasing challenge in the African landscape. According to Michael Henning, Easyclear sales manager, these stops are resulting in increased delays and costs. “Delays at the land border posts seem to be a continuing trend compounded by customs stops for documentary inspection which result in delays and escalating costs, particularly when the vehicle is booked for inspection and needs to be unpacked,” he said. In South Africa and its neighbouring countries this has been exacerbated by the recently implemented Sars National Pool and Goods control procedures. “This has resulted in extraordinary delays and mounting costs to clients – not to mention repetitive stops which seem to continue to be a problem despite having been escalated to SA Revenue Service through the appropriate channels,” he said. Another ongoing worry across Africa was bribery at land border posts. “In particular those with Mozambique and Zimbabwe have been on the radar more recently with bribes having to be paid to fast-track goods at the border.” According to Henning, what is extremely encouraging is the increase in corruption complaints being received, indicating an increase in “whistleblowing” and public willingness to join the fight against corruption. “On a positive note talks of a one-stop border post for Beitbridge, something that has been on the cards for some time, are finally making progress on the heels of a meeting between the South African and Zimbabwean presidents.” Henning said developments would be avidly watched by stakeholders with many hoping that momentum would be gained for what most considered an essential development for southern Africa. Henning said growth in Africa remained on the cards especially in light of the expansion of a number of projects on the continent that would demand high quality logistics. “Africa has very real potential. Addressing our challenges becomes imperative to move cargo more efficiently. Addressing issues such as the delays at border posts and corruption is critical. Our growth is also hampered by transport infrastructure where road and rail links between hubs need to be improved,” he said. “Infrastructure improvements are struggling to keep pace with the speed at which Africa’s economies and cities are expanding. Addressing the infrastructure backlog and the challenges at border posts will go a long way to paving the way for success in Africa.”
INSERT with IMAGE Talks of a one-stop border post for Beitbridge are finally making progress. – Michael Henning
