In a strongly worded statement sent out via social media, Berries ZA chairperson Justin Mudge has reiterated his conviction that it’s incumbent on the government to act on behalf of export interests while South Africa finds itself in the grip of a logistics strike.
Mudge, who is also the managing director of Chiltern Farms in the Theewaterskloof Valley, lamented the fact that the strike had come a week after an additional gantry had arrived at the Port of Cape Town to enable the working of multiple vessels.
Speaking at the beginning of the current berry exports season, which commenced last week and is anticipated to run into early December, Mudge said it was imperative that government took action on behalf of growers, exporters and the industry’s labour sector.
“The berry industry is confronting a pivotal moment, where our future sustainability is under threat,” he said.
“It is inconceivable that the future of one of the best opportunities for growth and job creation is put at stake by a group of port workers.
“It is inconceivable that there are no alternatives open to the berry industry to export our products by sea.”
He stressed that there was no way that the government could allow all the country’s ports to be out of action simultaneously.
“We again call on our ministers to intervene and ensure ports resume full functionality with immediate effect, giving priority to perishable products.”
