NIDS invites input on the concept,
writes Leonard Neill
A HUB CONCEPT, where road transport operators can have their consignments and documents checked inside the country before they proceed through the eventual border posts, is on the planning boards at the National Inter-Departmental Structure for Border Control (NIDS).
It entails having a depot at such places as Rustenburg (prior to proceeding to the Botswana border) and Messina (before Beit Bridge) where the checking can be undertaken, easing congestion at the posts themselves.
I made this suggestion some time ago but met with resistance from border post operators, says NIDS executive director Brian van Niekerk. So much time is wasted at borders when it is found that documents are incorrectly completed that we have an idea that an assistance point within the country would be of great help.
It is only a concept at this stage and something about which we would be happy to receive input from those concerned. We wouldn't touch the paperwork, and the border will always be the final checking point. But we feel that we can act as facilitators here and provide a service of value.
Van Niekerk has confirmed that of South Africa's 52 land border posts only 19 have been designated for commercial purposes. Ten airports have been approved with international rights, and all have until October 31 this year to prove they are fully committed in this respect.
We have developed Public Private Partnerships in each instance, says Van Niekerk. I must stress here that it exists in the case of the harbours as well, but there we have an excellent relationship with Portnet and we now want to see that same situation resolve itself at all airports and land border posts.
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