While regional
integration
between
governments in
southern Africa
has improved
significantly over
the past decade,
having a clearance
team on the
ground at border
posts is a gamechanger.
That’s the view
of Willnes Eybers,
manager of
GoBorders, which
offers a complete
cross-border
clearing solution for all cargo
moving between South Africa
and Namibia.
“Clearing cargo through
southern African border posts
can be very challenging. Long
delays are still experienced and
this can have a major impact on
certain commodities that cannot
afford the waiting times.”
GoBorders, part of the
GoGlobal group of companies,
was established to address
ongoing border delays.
“The company was very
involved in the movement of
Namibian grapes from the
Aussenkehr Valley to South
Africa for export. Long waiting
times at the border affected
the quality of
the perishable
product,”
explains Eybers.
“Looking into
the situation it
became apparent
that much could
be achieved by
having a physical
presence at the
border post to
deal with the
various customs
clearing issues
that were arising.”
The result was GoBorders.
“We have our own offices
on both sides of
the borders at
Noordoewer/
Ariamsvlei
and at Viooldrif/
Nakop,” says
Eybers. “This
ensures a handson
approach.”
According to
Eybers plans are
under way to extend this service
to border posts in Botswana
and Zimbabwe within the next
few months.
“What is also important is
that our service is available 24
hours a day, seven days a week.
We handle border requirements
and resolve problems as and
when they arise and not when
the offices are open.”
An important part of
efficiency is having the right
systems that speak to the
various border authorities.
“We are electronically linked
with the relevant customs
authorities,” he says.
The company was
very involved in the
movement of Namibian
grapes from the
Aussenkehr Valley to
South Africa.
– Willnes Eybers
