Citrus export body has strong words for Transnet
As port delays continue to stymie efficient logistics performance, not only are export markets “hedging their bets” by approaching competing suppliers, but South Africa risks losing its status as the gateway to Africa, with the likes of Walvis Bay and Maputo ready to step into the breach.
BORDER BEAT: Lebombo border clogged up as volume to Port of Maputo increases
An old problem at South Africa’s Lebombo border into Mozambique, cargo clearance not keeping pace with incoming loads heading towards the Port of Maputo, is getting worse - with volumes lately exceeding those of Beitbridge, the notoriously congested northern crossing into Zimbabwe.
BORDER BEAT: Sars pooh-poohs report about Lebombo volumes
The SA Revenue Service (Sars) has denied that there’s anything unusual about the volume of truck traffic currently passing through South Africa’s primary crossing into Mozambique, despite private sector freight concerns appealing for customs and clearing to be speeded up.
CGA makes a strong case for barge operation at Port of Durban
The Citrus Growers’ Association has made a strong case for the introduction of a container barge operation between key nodes of the Durban port.
More new straddles for the Durban Container Terminal
Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 has taken delivery of another eight fully assembled electric straddle carriers, completing its order of 23 for the current calendar year.
UPDATE: Transnet provides clarity about delays at Port of Durban
The loss of a mobile harbour crane from a fire in May and what appears to be the delay of cargo owners to duly collect containers have been provided as reasons for sea- and landside holdups at the Port of Durban.
BORDER BEAT: Zimra implements VAT on all transit fees and foreign hauliers
Cargo crossing at the routinely congested border of Beitbridge between South Africa and Zimbabwe already appears to be slowing down following yesterday’s news that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) had decided to charge VAT on transit fees and foreign-registered vehicles.
BORDER BEAT: Botswana throws another Covid spanner in the works
A call has gone out for greater regional adherence to guidelines and regulations after it emerged earlier today that Botswana would still be doing its own testing for the coronavirus, despite the Southern African Development Community (SADC) making it compulsory for truck drivers to cross borders with “Covid-19 certificates” in hand.
Ground-handling giant extends footprint at OR Tambo
Paris-based ground handling company Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has extended operations at OR Tambo International Airport after securing contracts from Lufthansa and Swiss World Cargo.
SA stands proud regionally in air cargo bribery index
Bribery in South Africa’s air cargo sector has proved to be the lowest on the continent based on a global business bribery risk index compiled by graft-fighting association, Trace International.