Massive maize volumes call for sophisticated supply chain solution

IT’S DEMANDED the precision of a military operation and the co-operation of every link along the supply chain to meet the maize import needs of the Zimbabwe population over the past three months, and Viamax Logistics is more than satisfied that it has risen to the occasion. “It’s been a fine balancing act,” says general manager Bokaba August Maluleka, who was charged with overseeing the operation. From the start in early February, instead of the usual 10 000 tons of maize a month moving from South Africa up north, 32 000 tons were presented for export in the space of 4-5 weeks. And the volumes are continuing unabated. “Because of the constraints on capacity we had to ensure that the extra volumes did not put pressure on the domestic market, both in terms of transport and product,” said Maluleka. “The volumes are unprecedented, and although the bulk was destined for Zimbabwe, we have also had to move significant volumes into Zambia and Malawi.” Grain and project manager Ellen Thompson says that the co-operation of every link in the supply chain, including Customs and the Department of Transport, were integral to its success. A special dispensation by Customs allowed the maize to move through the border posts without delay. Maluleka believes that the successful execution of the maize project has been a text book case of intricate supply chain management skills in action.