Growth in cross-border
business is attracting
interest from both
the local market and
overseas agents, according to
Lee Viljoen, national business
development manager of CFR
Freight.
“South Africa
remains the
gateway into
Africa and
we are also
finding an
increase
in the movement of return f low
from sub-Saharan Africa,” she
said.
CFR Freight recently
announced the launch of a
direct fortnightly service
between Durban and Zambia.
“This will minimise the risk
of extra handling and reduce
transit time,” said Viljoen, who
is upbeat about growth across
the continent.
“We have a strong
partnership with Trax
International in Zimbabwe
which has generated strong
growth. Working with agents in
Malawi, Botswana, Swaziland
and Lesotho, we have also
seen significant growth and
development.
“Our neutrality as well as
long-standing partnerships
with stakeholders in the various
African regions play a big role
in the increasing volumes we
are seeing,” said
Viljoen. “With our
own CFS (ZacPak)
as the base and
an ever-growing
demand we will see
the development of
new road services
under our own
control growing
continuously.”
But cross-border transport is
not without challenges, said CFR
Freight Durban branch manager,
Liza Allan.
“Strict forex restrictions as well
as border control processes and
procedures remain challenging
and impact service delivery and
cost at times. Delays in Letters of
Authority and customs clearance
in particular can be a major
challenge,” she said.
INSERT & CAPTION 1
Direct fortnightly Durban-
Zambia service recently
launched.
– Lee Viljoen
INSERT & CAPTION 2
Strict forex restrictions
as well as border control
processes and procedures
remain challenging.
– Liza Allan
