Portuguese-speaking staff mitigate delays

Integrated border posts will go a long way to improving the efficiency of the supply chain while also addressing some of the biggest challenges freight forwarders and transporters face on a daily basis. “Borders where staff from neighbouring countries can use common facilities and common control methods in line with global standards will no doubt lead to more efficient operations,” says Hannes Rust, managing director of Johannesburg-based Chavda Freight. The company often uses border crossings such as Skilpadshek/ Pioneer Gate between South Africa and Botswana, Oshikango/Santa Clara between Namibia and Angola as well as the Buitepos border post between Botswana and Namibia. “The biggest challenges we deal with besides the border delays – which are often 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 – are around capacity and communication.” In an effort to address the language barriers the company has employed several people fluent in Portuguese. “We are also sending a great deal of cargo to Maputo and so are frequenting the Komatipoort/ Lebombo border post between South Africa and Mozambique. Having skilled people at the border post who can speak Portuguese, especially when working in Angola and Mozambique, has helped a great deal in rising above the challenges.” Rust says the new one-stop border post recently opened at Chirundu is setting a good example for Africa. It is proof that delays can be minimised and transit times improved.