Operators unhappy with extra manpower needs KEVIN MAYHEW IN A move that has taken the freight industry by surprise, opening hours at the border post at Grobler’s Bridge – which provides a popular alternative route to the north – have been extended to 22:00. The industry claims that it was a surprise move for which they received notification only four days before it became effective on January 1. Most canvassed by FTW were not pleased with the unilateral move as it increases their employee requirements to now provide a further shift for transporters keen to take advantage of the extended hours. The border is now open from 06:00 to 22:00. At the border post with Mozambique at Lebombo, on the other hand, surprisingly little progress has been made in the push to extend opening hours to 22:00 as a precursor to 24-hour operations. As negotiations drag on the Port of Maputo is suffering the consequences. Managing director of Dynamic International in Komatipoort, Jeanette Kriel, said the 24-hour border issue was the most important for the industry at Komatipoort. “There is no increase in Grobler’s Bridge traffic to justify the move as far as we are concerned. This has just put a further burden on us to employ more people to meet the shift needs of the extended hours,” said one disgruntled company director.
