Plans for local Tapa chapter move forward

February meeting planned JOY ORLEK PLANS FOR the establishment of a local chapter of the Transported Asset Protection Association (Tapa) are taking shape with a February meeting scheduled to take the initiative forward. While the majority of South Africans were preparing for their festive season break at the end of last year, a high-level delegation of Tapa representatives was presenting its case to the industry at OR Tambo International Airport. The association unites global manufacturers, freight carriers, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders with the common aim of reducing losses from international supply chains. Motivated by the unacceptably high levels of crime at ORT, the Association of European Airlines, Freight Forwarders International and Tapa met with officials of the department of transport in South Africa for the first time in June last year to propose the formation of a local Tapa chapter. December’s follow-up meeting, which provided some astounding statistics on the reality of crime at ORT, set the plan in motion. “The incremental costs of protecting personnel and cargo in and near ORT are among the highest in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) region,” said Steve McHugh, Emea’s head of strategy for Tapa. A survey conducted among 33 companies in South Africa representing airlines, manufacturers and forwarders and covering 2005 and the first quarter of 2006 revealed a tally of 113 incidents with a loss value of US$ 5 835 597 equating to US$51.642 per incident. In 2006 the number of incidents is projected at 108. But the real concern comes in the comparison between Johannesburg and European airports during the period 2005-2006. Johannesburg experienced 200 incidents compared to its closest rival Schiphol at 18, with Dubai on 1. If South Africa is to become a springboard into the region, this is hardly a positive enticement for transhipment cargo. The SA Association of Freight Forwarders has added its support to the Tapa initiative, but has stressed that its participation will be as an associate member. “We need to be careful that it’s not another freight industry-run initiative – the members need to be the owners, importers and manufacturers, which is the case elsewhere in the world,” said Richard Mallabone, Saaff director: aviation and security. “It’s important that industry engages with government departments and it’s not just seen as the freight companies at government’s door.” According to Mallabone, Tapa is in communication directly with manufacturers and importers who have been invited to attend the next meeting in February. “The strength of Tapa is its members and the database of crucial information. It enables industry to see where things are going wrong and to address them,” said Mallabone.