Saaff objects to ‘uninformed’ criticism

Our recent article – ‘Time to act
against Durban port inefficiencies’
(FTW September 30, 2011) –
attracted strong support from many
quarters.
While there is general industry
consensus that Transnet’s service
delivery and tariffs are of major
concern to all SA users, the SA
Association of Freight Forwarders took
strong exception to the “uninformed
and sweeping statement” by Freight
24’s Ayub Esoop that Saaff and the
Durban Harbour Carriers’ Association
were ineffective.
Saaff CEO David Logan spelt out
some recent Saaff achievements and
current activity that demonstrate its
constructive role:
Saaff submitted • an objection to
the Port Regulator to the proposed
TNPA increase in cargo dues of
+ 11% last year. TNPA was
subsequently awarded an increase of
4.49%.
• Saaff is currently in the process of
a submission via the PR objecting
to the fees imposed by TNPA on
amendments to cargo dues.
• Saaff is currently in the process of
formulating a submission together
with two other organisations
opposing the proposed 2012 increase
of 18.06 % in cargo dues.
• Saaff was instrumental in getting
TPT to re-instate the free time
for import containers from day
of completion plus 2 to day of
completion plus 3 in March this year.
• Saaff has continually been involved
with DAFF in ensuring that they
allow five days after vessel sailing
for the production of phytosanitary
certificates – they have been trying
to shorten this for a long time.
The abovementioned activity
only relates to Ports/Transnet. Saaff
interacts with Sars Customs on
modernisation continuously,
not to mention the other
Government departments.