KEVIN MAYHEW THE OUTLOOK for business through Beitbridge is positive in 2006 but costs in neighbouring countries will make it more difficult for transporters – especially the imminent introduction of new rates of carbon tax by Zimbabwean customs. John Makhado, who owns Tropical Southern Business Services at the Gateway Truck Stop outside Musina with his wife Tsakani, says the new rates – applicable from February this year – will be paid by all foreign registered trucks. It excludes all other costs such as toll fees, insurance and road fees that must already be incurred. The minimum cost for registered trucks will be US$360 (R2 340) per registered vehicle per month. “Added to this will be the difficulty and expense of transporting second hand vehicles into neighbouring countries which must be delivered to the Zimbabwean side of the border by carrier and cannot be self driven. We can only appeal to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to facilitate drop-off space on this side of the border to reduce these costs,” he said. Established in 1998, Tropical has offices at Beitbridge and Grobler’s Brug and a staff of 17. It offers clearing, shipping and forwarding services and intends to expand to offer a full road, rail and sea service to and from destinations throughout Africa, Makhado explained.
