‘There must be a mindset change’ – WBCG

The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) is committed to growing its Gauteng market, having cited the province as critical to its growth strategy. According to Rob Doe, business development manager for the WBCG South Africa, growth into and out of Gauteng via Walvis Bay has been steady in recent months. “We are committed to improving this growth and the next 12 months are critical in terms of volume growth on the Gauteng/Walvis Bay corridor if we are to have any impact in the Gauteng market,” said Doe. “We believe there has to be a mindset change though to ensure further volume growth along the Trans Kalahari Corridor through Walvis Bay.” Having identified some strategic partners to come on board, the organisation is upbeat. “The Gauteng market is very important to the WBCG’s vision and long-term strategy, being the commercial hub for the SADC region,” said Doe. “We are focusing on the SADC region and many of its decision-makers are situated in Gauteng. For us to reach our goal – to promote Walvis Bay as an alternative port to the South African main ports as well as Maputo and Beira for the SADC region – makes Gauteng an important cog.” Having focused particularly on targeting Europe as well as North and South American imports due to shorter transit legs (currently shipping cargo through Walvis Bay into Gauteng will save the importer around seven days compared to shipping through Durban), the WBCG say with direct calls from Europe, Far East, North America and the Middle East, there are no delays. “This is due to minimal port congestion, no weather-related delays and the competitive pricing structures in place,” said Doe. “Also the two-day transit from Walvis bay to Gauteng means there is definitely scope for the on-going promotion and marketing of Walvis Bay for the Gauteng market.”