SA operators call for even playing fields

ROAD TRANSPORTERS into Namibia are competing on an uneven playing field as Namibia’s recentlyintroduced mass/distance charge piles on an extra R1000 for SA operators. “The SA authorities should do something of a similar nature to even the playing field for Namibian transporters,” says Gordon Jay of Namibia specialists Transworld Road Freight. “A trip from the Namibian border to Windhoek and back sets us back about R1000. All that Namibian transporters pay is R181 toll fees, which we also have to pay.” Transworld exports from Johannesburg via Botswana through Skilpadshek and from Cape Town through Vioolsdrift, with variable efficiency and surprise changes in regulations sending spanners flying. “We had a hitch at Pioneer Gate where a new system was implemented without informing stakeholders and we had major delays there for a few weeks.” With an average waiting period of six hours at the border posts on the Johannesburg route and two on the Cape Town route, Jay feels a common tariff and documentation system is necessary, but this is still a long way off. “The way I see it, the exporting countries’ documentation should be accepted at all border posts without any changes. Customs also talks about the paperless system. This is only for themselves as we have to supply them with everything. Utopia for them and major expenses for us.” In the year ahead, Jay feels the interest rate hikes will tighten things up again, with tough times ahead for many over-border operations.