Fresh Solutions Cape Town Addresses Logistics Challenges And Solutions
On 13 March, the International Fresh Produce Association's (IFPA's) Fresh Solutions event brought over 50 leaders across the fresh produce supply chain together in Cape Town to learn about the latest developments in the logistics landscape and how to plan for exports ahead of a bumper deciduous season.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- South Africa is dependent on a functional logistics network for economic growth. Yet, the country is losing R1 billion per day to rail underperformance, while port inefficiencies cost the economy around R200 million in direct and indirect costs daily.
- Public-private partnerships are the only viable way to identify and resolve the issues facing the country's ports.
- Main factors affecting efficient port operations include equipment shortages, breakdowns, and weather conditions.
- The potential impact of the general election's results on the industry creates uncertainty.
- It is not only doom and gloom.
In addressing the rebuilding of South Africa's logistic landscape, Mike Walwyn, a director at South African Freight Forwarders (SAFFE), emphasised South Africa's dependence on a functional logistics network for economic growth. Yet, the country is losing R1 billion per day to rail underperformance, while port inefficiencies cost the economy around R200 million in direct and indirect costs daily.
He said public-private partnerships are the only viable way to identify and resolve the issues facing the country's ports. The private sector has a key role to play in mobilising funding, providing expertise, and collaborating with the government to reform the industry.
Antoinette van Heerden, logistical affairs manager at Fresh Produce Exporters Forum (FPEF), discussed ongoing equipment shortages, breakdowns, and weather conditions as the main factors affecting efficient port operations. She touched on uncertainties about the potential impact of the general election's results on State Owned Enterprises (SOE) with multi-party governments, the Minister of Transport (replacing SOE), and the effectiveness of the new transport regulator.
Van Heerden is optimistic about the appointment of Adv Michelle Phillips as Transnet's group CEO, the appointment of a new terminal manager at the Port of Cape Town, the deployment of a fourth shift (125 new staff members) at Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT), onsite Navis training, and the acquisition of new container handling equipment for ports.
Tanel du Plooy, Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) Vice Registrar, presented on the purpose of the Competition Commission's inquiry on the fresh produce market and possible outcomes.
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Jaco Oosthuizen (IFPA SA Country Council Chair, Antoinette van Heerden, logistical affairs manager at Fresh Produce Exporters Forum (FPEF), and Jane Strijdom (IFPA SA Country Manager).
ABOUT IFPA
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest industry association representing the interests, individuals, and organisations of all sizes and specialities across the global supply chain. We are positioned to serve as a resource and partner for the media, policymakers, and change leaders who are invested in the solutions the industry has the power to provide.
ENQUIRIES
Jane Strijdom
Country Manager for IFPA SA
Mobile: +27 72 619 6611
Email: jstrijdom@freshproduce.com
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Jennifer Booth
Mobile: +27 82 817 9184
Email: marketingsa@freshproduce.com
