Outlook is positive as Angolan mines start to place orders

Few logistics companies can
afford to ignore the rapidly
growing African market, says
Hannes Rust, managing director of
Chavda Freight.
“Many African countries are
recording some of the strongest
growth rates in the world and
there have been some major
developments on the continent that
have seen investments from all over
the world. All of this is steadily
paying off and means that the
demand for transport and logistics
services throughout Africa is
increasing. Which makes even more
opportunities available for South
Africa as it functions as a hub for
the rest of the continent.”
Chavda Freight offers a door-todoor
service for consignments of
any size to anywhere in Africa.
“Our area of expertise is Angola
and Mozambique, and while it has
been quiet lately, the outlook looks
bright. Many of the construction
companies and mines in Angola are
starting to place orders again and
volumes are slowly but surely on
the rise.”
Rust says some of the biggest
challenges dealing with Africa
include communication, capacity
problems, delays caused at borderposts
– due to import duties and
taxes not being paid on time – as
well as the poor state of the roads
and the ever-increasing traffic
congestion. “It is therefore
important that companies employ
skilled people who understand the
intricacies of working in Africa
and are able to rise above the
challenges. We also ensure we have
people on board at the relevant
border posts assisting us with
problems that arise.”
Another big issue in Africa is
security and safety. “We have most
of our shipments checked by hand
before loading. Numerous photos
are taken and the relevant inspection
company seals containers. Most
of our vehicles are fitted with
satellite tracking and we’re also in
direct and constant contact with
our drivers,” says Rust. “We have
also ensured that there are contact
people at all the border posts as well
as the major cities on the routes we
service. All vehicles stop at these
points for checking cargo as well as
documentation. We also make sure
(when possible) that vehicles travel
in convoys for added safety and
security.”