‘Working towards a safer road environment’

Hijacking remains a serious
threat to road transporters
especially when transporting
goods of high value such as
computers and electronic equipment.
Steve Leukes, managing member
of Quality Airfreight Services, says
it is important to be vigilant at all
times in order to limit the risks.
“One of the issues that is adding
to the crime problem is the lack of
credit machines along a major route
such as the Trans Kalahari Corridor
(TKC). Drivers of smaller vehicles
have to carry cash as they cannot
refuel using fuel cards – and this
makes them definite targets
for criminals.”
Other challenges such as the
large number of farm animals found
roaming along the TKC also pose
a danger to drivers while the road
user charges that differ at the points
of entry make for difficult working
conditions. “With no fixed exchange
you cannot accurately cost a trip in
rands beforehand,” he says.
And when it comes to the South
African road system, potholes are
part and parcel of the system.
It is imperative, says Leukes, to
find solutions to these challenges,
as the importance of road transport
cannot be under-estimated.
“There will always be a need for
goods to be transported between
Namibia and South Africa. With
airfreight prices almost unaffordable
these days and rail being just too
time-consuming, the opportunities
for road transport are plenty, but
we must ensure that the challenges
around road are addressed.”
“Namibia imports some 80% of
its consumption annually and that
needs to be transported mostly from
South Africa.
“Companies should be
encouraged to invest in driver
training, while governments should
be coming on board to ensure our
roads offer a safe and reliable mode
of transport.”
As a founding member of the
Namibia Logistics Association,
the company is actively getting
involved in creating a safer
road environment.