South Africa’s ports and railways parastatal has, in its latest update since last Thursday’s cyber breach that rendered its Navis system inoperative, said that “significant progress has been made in restoring Transnet’s IT systems, with most of the affected applications up Monday, 26 July”.
However, certain operations were still affected by the hack, the state-owned enterprise said.
“It is expected that some applications may continue to run slowly over the next few days, while monitoring continues. All operating systems will be brought back in a staggered manner, to minimise further risks and interruptions.”
The rest of the statement says:
“At the ports, each container terminal has communicated its transition plan from manual operation to the full Navis-driven operation.
“The terminals are berthing vessels as planned and facilitating loading and discharge operations with the shipping lines.
“We will continue to work directly with shipping lines in order to facilitate maximum import evacuation and further exports planned for future vessels.
“Controls have been developed, in conjunction with the shipping lines and (the) SA Revenue Service’s (Sars) Customs division, to ensure safe clearance and evacuation of each container.
“A force majeure, communicated by Transnet Port Terminals on 26 July to customers, covering the period from 22 July, is expected to be lifted soon.
“The business continuity plans have enabled Transnet Freight Rail to continue utilising manual backup operations, and run trains as planned.
“We wish to assure stakeholders and customers that all processes followed allow for the safe operation of trains.
“We have requested customers with cross-border traffic, and where the Sars clearance process is applicable, to submit hard copies of the Sars clearance documentation with their consignment note at the Order Entry Office/Terminals.
“This will assist in the manual system application to authorise the departure of trains.
“The salaries of Transnet employees have been processed on schedule; there was never a doubt that as an organisation we would not honour our obligation to our employees.
“Transnet will continue to engage and collaborate with affected customers.”
