WHILE THE term cargo dues has replaced wharfage, and is no longer based on value in South Africa’s ports, it is still far too high and is used to support other loss making state-owned enterprises. That’s the view of South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) executive David Watts who called on Government authorities to give stakeholders a greater say in the running of the harbours. “The Port Steering Committee, Interim Advisory Boards and Port Liaison Committees are making positive progress in improving all aspects of performance from both ports and ports users,” he said. “There needs to be acceptance that as taxpayers, clients and citizens of this country, all stakeholders have a rightful say in the future development of our transport systems. “Many of these stakeholders have reserves of knowledge, skill and experience that should be tapped into, genuinely listened to, and their suggestions actioned and acknowledged where relevant.”
